This story is too funny not to share, even if it's at my own expense. So, I'll tell you where I'm at. I'm in this low kind of place, despite the fact that it's a Friday--and the weekend is looming large in front of me. And I do have so many things to be thankful for, but I can only concentrate on the things that aren't working. Despite my best efforts, I feel that a close friendship of mine is about to implode, so my mind really isn't where it should be.
I had to take my daughter to work, so I thought it would be okay to leave on my robe and slippers since I wasn't planning on getting out of the car. Yeah, that was a mistake.
So I drop her off, and as I'm driving home, I realize that the gas light is on, and I didn't fuel up the tank the night before, because I was too tired. Fantastic.. And there's still a few miles to go before I can make it home. I'm hoping I can get to a station before the engine starts to sputter. I mentally picture myself walking along side of the road, my robe and hair flopping in the wind, and I cringe. Please make it in time.
I do find a station and as I pull in, I breathe a sigh of relief at avoiding a minor catastrophe. As I get out to get gas, the pump doesn't seem to work. It's looking like I will have to walk into the store Great.
As I do my walk of shame--I'm sure looking like some crazy woman that just rolled out of bed--I peek my head in, and explain myself. The attendant tells me the pump has been acting funny, so just use another. Ok, probably what I should have done in the first place.
I went to another pump, put my card in, and of course, it still didn't work. Meanwhile, there is this nice women, probably laughing at my situation--and really, I don't blame her. She gets out of her car, and we strike up a conversation. I'm quite sure I appear crazy and delusional. I tell her that this isn't usually how I dress. She laughs and believes me, I think. I take the pump out and try and start over. This gives her the opportunity to give me her discount on gas. She did this without me asking. We start talking about our occupations, and I told her I was an author and podcaster.
She asked about my book. I ended up giving her one of mine, I usually have a few extra in the car, and it felt like the right thing to do. I would have liked to have signed it for her, but of course, my pen didn't want to work.
She was thankful for the book, and we shared a laugh together, a hug even. Two strangers finding common ground in the crazy details of the moment. And what was first a frustrating situation, turned into something quite wonderful.
There is something to be said for finding an instant connection with another soul. You know it when it happens, they make the rough edges of life softer. Things are more colorful and inviting. They help us to find some joy and light, and we are all so desperate and deserving of it.
*Remember those who see the best in you, even when you're at your worst.
Just a reminder, have fun out there and stay adventurous! xoxo
