Not What I Expected

Last weekend, we were walking along a paved path with a couple of friends and their little one. 

 Seemingly out of nowhere, a sheriff pulled up next to us in a white ATV. 

 At first I thought we were in trouble —were we not supposed to be walking on the path, since the park nearby was blocked off for a festival? 

He came to a stop next to us on the trail and asked, “how old are the kids?” 

 After we answered, he beamed and told us, “I have a 3-month old at home.”

It turned out that we weren't in trouble at all; instead, he wanted to share with us this little snapshot into his life. He simply wanted to connect. 

This tiny but impactful moment was such a good reminder of many of the things we explore through our work together, and via Expansive Impact — from not making assumptions (I totally assumed we were in trouble when he first started approaching), to the ways in which we can create meaningful connection via the micro-moments of everyday life. As I write this, I can't help but smile, thinking of the smile on his face, as he shared his proud dad moment with us. 

Reflections

• What is one small way I can connect with someone in my life, on my team, or in my neighborhood?

• Where am I assuming a worst-case-scenario which might not be accurate? 

• What is a recent small moment of connection that has sparked joy?