11 Comments
User's avatar
Donna Butler's avatar

Manuel, I so need to hear these words. I often get distracted by the task at hand and then realize later that I missed something important about that person's situation. Your writing sounds like a wonderful reflection our chaplain would give.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your lovely comment, Donna. Peace to you🙏🏻

Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I really appreciate the mundaneness and profound nature of what you so well described - and look forward to seeing the movie. The guy that cuts you off on the interstate is probably dealing with a whole lot of heavy-duty stuff. Sure, some is self- inflicted, but some is not. We are all vulnerable to the same stuff just to various degrees. The cashier at the store, the cop who pulls us over for 12 miles per hour over, our doctor. . .

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your comment and restack, Mark.

W. Scott Cameron's avatar

Well said. The phrase "Stop and smell the roses" comes to mind. I learned a little trick awhile ago to to just stop when I am out walking and slowly turn around and observe what is going on all around me versus just what is in front of me. I is an easy and enjoyable experience.

Sally's avatar

This is a recurring theme for me lately. Thank you for saying it so thoughtfully.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for sharing your resonance with the message, Sally.

Danielle ⛈️'s avatar

Lovely message, Manuel, about the importance of slowing down to truly see others who we cross paths with every moment of every day. Everyone wants to be heard and seen. Imagine if everyone felt seen and heard... thanks for sharing. XO

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your comment, Danielle.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks Scott! Very wise advice from you. I read that when out shooting photos looking at what we passed may give us new opportunities. Are you back?

Lorraine Evanoff's avatar

Lovely, I've heard this movie is great, I haven't seen it though.

This kind of thing happens to me often, no matter how hard I try not to be impersonal in human interaction, sometimes it's not until after they're gone I realize I missed an opportunity for humanity.

"I see a delivery driver, not Joe or Sarah who happen to be delivery drivers, who have family problems as we all do, as they seek meaning in their lives and a measure of fulfillment, if not joy."