At the beginning of this year, I started waking up a little before sunrise to take my dogs, Gia and Max, for a walk. At first, it was a rather solo experience – just me and my pups and the start of a new day.
Gradually, though, I began to notice those who were on the same schedule: the early morning runners, cyclists, and other dog parents. I don’t know any of their names, and they don’t know mine. But over time, their faces have become familiar. A smile and a nod have turned into a “good morning,” and somehow I’ve developed this odd but wonderful sense of belonging to this little community of sunrise walkers.
We spend so much of our lives moving through the world absorbed in our own thoughts, our phones, our schedules, and whatever is waiting for us next. But making eye contact and offering a genuine smile interrupts that for a moment, and there’s something surprisingly joyful about it, even if for just a second.
So, I have an assignment for you. At some point today, look a stranger in the eyes, smile, and say “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening.” That’s it. Notice how they respond, but also notice how you feel afterward. These tiny moments of connection may seem insignificant, but I’m beginning to think they’re anything but. Joy can be contagious, and sometimes all it takes to start spreading it is looking up, and smiling first.
