Really look at people and see them if only for a second or two.

I can see people this way. I mean really who they are and all that. I can read people quite well more so over the last 6 years or so. I’m very shy but I do okay with eye contact. Sometimes I wonder how many people thing I’m staring or weird. But I notice peoples eye color and everything.

I can tell I’m truly a shy person because I don’t like to make eye contact with people I don’t know well. I can appear outgoing and friendly and am, but I find myself kind of curling up like a leaf and closing off sometimes. I think there are a lot of lonely people out there. Sometimes including me. I think it’s nice to connect with people but simply looking at them and saying hello. It’s small but big. I keep this on the list to remind me to connect a bit more with people.

i said hi by name to 4 new people today and said hi to about 5 others. it helps a lot! and i’ve been trying to get out with others more too for lunch and coffee!

so much in making a connection with someone! i see on average about 150 people a day and by focusing on each one, you can see moods and feelings and it makes a big difference!

to hear what is being said and actively participate in the listening process. talk less and hear more!

i’ve been trying to do this more…i need to start it up again. and no interupt people…

i’m going to try it at work tomorrow…this will also help me get people’s names!

Of all the things on my list, I think this is the one that really connects me. I mean the have, do and be stuff is good but this one makes me feel like a better human. I’m glad I wrote it down, it reminds me.

...I’m going to make more of an effort to be less of a smart ass. I mean sometimes I’m funny but I think it’s just a defense mechanism to make some off the cuff remark all the time. When you really look at someone, sometimes being quiet allows them to say something important or feel connected to you. I’m going to try be a little more serious and also, laugh more at their jokes and not have to jump right in with mine.

I’m in pain after reading about the Virginia Tech shootings. We need more kindness in this world. Our young people are having serious mental health problems. Let’s start seeing each other.