Abstract:

It is actually strange not to reach out to strangers.  Human connection is where it is at!

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This past week I traveled up North for a conference.  I took the train from DC, because I am a little afraid of planes (afraid of lightening too, but shhhhh that is a secret).

I sat in the “Quiet Car” and the irony struck me immediately.

I am a lot of things: kooky, fun, engaging, curious, animated, and fickle for sure.  But no one has ever accused me of being quiet.

Normally on a long trip (and this one was seven hours) I will chat a bit with the person next to me if he/she is amenable.  However I decided to conduct an experiment since this time, by Amtrak regulation, I was sworn to silence.

I did not say one word the entire trip and I remained in my seat as well.  In fact, I hardly moved.

It was awful!  I was designed to be interactive, and without it I feel lost and detached from the beauty that is human interaction.  In fact we are all designed to be interactive.  It is what has helped our species thrive for tens of thousands of years.

Needless to say I arrived nervous, perplexed, and quite uneasy.  Then my dear friend Patty met me outside the train station and all was well with my world.

You can try to be happy alone, you can try to feel a sense of well-being living an “island” existence, but I assure you, you will not succeed.

I am not arguing you need to be out and about every day and night.  However, why not take a chance this week and chat with a “stranger,” or better yet phone (if under 30 go ahead, text) a friend who you have not heard from in a long time (regardless of whose turn it is to call) . . . and bask in the power of relationship building!

It is fun and empowering.  Plus consistent scientific research tells us it increases our happiness.

And the next time I travel by train I will pick the “Noisy Car”.

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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.