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Hi Reader

I'm sure that you can relate to the fact that some of the easiest conversations happen when you least expect them.

Like sitting on an airplane, nowhere to go for a couple of hours.

Years ago, when I was still living in South Africa, I flew from Cape Town to Nelspruit. An older gentleman was seated next to me. We exchanged the usual polite nods, but the conversation didn’t start until we were about to take off.

I noticed he seemed a bit nervous. My curious self wondered if it was fear of flying, so I asked if he was okay.

Turns out, it wasn’t the flight at all.

It was his first time making this trip on his own. He usually travelled with his wife, but she had recently passed away. This flight was to visit his daughter and grandchildren for the holidays.

He told me about his wife, describing her as a lovely woman, how much he missed her, and how he was trying to keep living despite the hardship.

I just listened. Nodded. Held space for his story.

When we landed, we walked together to baggage claim. I thanked him for sharing with me and wished him a wonderful visit.

And then the airport doors opened.

His family was waiting. The nervousness evaporated.

He gave me a friendly nod before I walked off to greet my own partner in crime.

As he hugged me, I whispered, “Let’s live life.”

Because a talk with a complete stranger can make a difference.

That’s the magic of talking to strangers.

You never know what you’ll give.

Or what you’ll receive ☺️

Over the past eight weeks, we’ve explored everything from the stranger in the mirror, to saying good morning, walking together, the difference between AI and authentic connection, being present without distractions, finding your place in a new crew, and sharing those unexpected, unforgettable moments.

I hope you’ve enjoyed and found value in this Don’t Talk to Strangers! series. I’ll be taking a short two-week break from these Sunday emails, but I’ll be back with a brand-new series all about how simple life can be, unless we make it complicated 😏

Sending you love from Canada 🇨🇦

Peggy

xo