The weather has finally shifted and spring is in the air.  Woo hoo!

This past weekend I needed to send a package to Catholic University.

Since it was sunny and warm, I thought, “Instead of mailing it I will cajole my friend, Jaime, to go on a monster walk to deliver the package in person.”

I also decided not to take my cell phone.  It distracts me and often undermines human connection.

In short, I wanted to enjoy a Saturday without reading books on LBJ and watching episodes of Seinfeld, Friends or Frazier in solitude.

Plus Jaime is tons of fun!  In fact, it took little to convince her since she is obsessed with her Nike Fuel Band and her amazing pursuit of balanced health and wellness.

We had a blast.

After we delivered the parcel and had a delish lunch, we parted and I walked home.

Normally when I walk I am extremely unaware.  I either focus on work or fiddle with my cell phone.  But this time I was feeling so relaxed and open . . . plus my cell phone was home on my desk.

So I decided to notice as many people as possible as I strolled down busy 14^th Street.

About two blocks from my house I spotted a very attractive man crossing the street heading towards me.

I realized it was an old flame (I know, I speak and write like I am stuck in the 1950s).  He was someone I had feelings for last year and I decided to run away from those feelings.

However, now I was primed for openness and risk because  . . .

1. I had gone on a walk that relaxed and energized me.

2. I had spent time with my favorite gal-pal in the world, Jaime.

3. I had lunch outside and it was healthy and delicious.

So instead of just saying, “hi” and shyly walking away as we often do to those who once meant so much to us, I kept him close and asked lots of questions.

He did the same and soon we were having coffee (well, I was drinking hot chocolate) and enjoying one of the best impromptu dates of my life . . .

This is not chance . . . this is science.

My favorite positive psychologist would call this day a perfect example of the Broaden and Build Theory (BBT) in real-life practice.

In short BBT informs us that it is not by accident that we grow and learn, but rather through purposeful and creative experimentation as we cultivate our positive emotions.

That same psychologist would remind me that sometimes growth requires leaning into that which causes discomfort.

I chose to bond at the emotional level with people all day.  You see, this can lead in the direction of multiple opportunities for even greater connection, if seized.

If seized.

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If you have any questions about coaching please feel free to contact me at scott@kineticcoaching.co, and remember I always offer a complimentary 30-45 minute session to prospective clients to determine if we want to work together.