If you have ever had a conversation with me, you know that I can talk.  I mean as in longevity.  I can chat for days.  It drives my kids nuts.  We go somewhere to drop something off or just run a quick errand.  They know if there is any chance of me striking up a conversation, it will happen.  I knew my own mother would do the same, as would my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  That side of my family was given the gift of gab.  When I ask my son to go for a walk around the neighborhood with me and the dog, he always asks, “Are you going to stop and talk to people”?  I tell him that, if the opportunity arises, he can be sure I will!  Then he stays home.  I suppose if you refer to me as short and sweet, it is in reference to my height and, possibly, my demeanor, but definitely not my conversations.  

Today I received a phone call from someone that was purely for “business” purposes. What could easily have been a 1 minute call turned into an almost 10 minute call.  After we hung up, it got me thinking.  What was it that made it automatic that we, two complete strangers,  would find a way to have a friendly chat in the middle of the chaos that was our day?  I gave this some careful consideration. Here is what I think leads to these spontaneous conversations.   I enjoy people.  I genuinely enjoy learning about others.  I love hearing their stories.  I love seeing others smile when they have something wonderful to share.  I appreciate my role in being an ear when someone needs to vent as well.  How special that they would be comfortable enough to trust me with sharing a piece of their life and their day!  Everyone has something to say and how often do we really get to say it?  If your day is anything like mine, you are constantly rushing from one thing to the next and trying to figure out how to get organized, how to fit it all in!  It makes a day exhausting!  When did we all get this busy?  Why did we all get this busy?  When my mother chatted with a neighbor much longer than was planned, she had the right idea. 

We have all heard about how we should “stop to smell the roses”. We also need to stop and appreciate the people around us! A day goes by much nicer when you have engaged in conversations with interesting people. Oh, and here is something to think about: we are ALL interesting people! When we have spent the day involved in what can be so mundane, imagine if someone took the time to stop and chat with us and to listen to what we had to say? How would that feel? I know on those days when I engage more with others, I am far more fulfilled. I feel like I have been more productive. I realize I am just part of a whole.

We are all one piece to the entire puzzle. What a wonderful way to piece the puzzle of our lives together! Learn about other pieces that make up your puzzle, your day to day, your life. Grow as you learn. Grow in understanding. You have not walked in everyone else’s shoes. You do not know their story and why they are who they are until you listen. Grow as you help others through giving your time and your ear. Grow as you tell others bits and pieces of your own story. Learn to stop judging and to be kind. Learn that we all have a past, we all have overcome obstacles, and we all have dreams and goals for our futures.

Even when you think a conversation is just small talk, it is still important. That small talk might be the only time the other person (or you) have connected with someone that day. That small talk may have been the break needed to keep going. That small talk may have been a great distraction. That small talk may be the start to a new friendship.

Humans were never meant to walk the earth alone. Our species cannot survive without depending on one another. We need to live and work in packs. We need communication with other humans to thrive. When you are in person, add a smile. When you’re on the phone, make sure the other person can hear your smile. It is definitely possible, I swear!

Just because we have work to do or need to rush right on to the next thing on the days agenda doesn’t mean we need to overlook the power of connecting and conversation. So, next time you have an opportunity to go beyond the quick hello or merely taking care of business, make it a point to do it!

My kids may get annoyed as they sit and wait for me in the car. I may have other things I need to accomplish. There may be others out there that dread seeing me coming because they know I am going to start to chat (I hope not)! No matter. I promise you, I will strive to always stay short and sweet, just not when I open my mouth.