I’m sitting in a Vegas hotel lobby right now, just watching people bustle around. It been a chaotic but fun anniversary weekend and I’ve noticed that Yogi Berra is right. Throughout the weekend I’ve been catching myself eye-stalking interactions. I’ve seen happy, sad, angry, and confused emotions, sometimes all from the same person in a matter of minutes. Couples pass that were just married and they are oblivious to the people around them, seemingly exhausted from constant activities. Other times I’ve watched person after person yelling at staff or slot machines in the hopes of getting what they feel they need. My favorite people though have been those sitting in restaurants alone. Not sad, not pathetic, but independent and strong. Here for whatever reason and boldly living their moments alone not worried about what anyone is thinking. I’m not sure I have that strength. Weird to admit but I have never sat alone and just enjoyed a meal. Usually there is a movie, homework, or clinical notes I’m completing. But I’ve never just sat with myself and eaten. Seems to me that there is a certain amount of self-love, self-esteem and inner peace to date yourself. I think I’m gonna try it.

So never underestimate the person you see in any given moment. You never know the power they hold within and what you would learn just by watching people live around you.

Keep your eyes open. The lessons are everywhere.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.