The Blessing of Every Encounter

Every person we meet in life is a blessing, with the potential to enrich our world in ways we might never expect. Travel often magnifies this, allowing us to cross paths with extraordinary individuals whose stories and experiences leave lasting impressions. An example of this was my experience on The Canadian which allowed me to meet so many amazing individuals. Over the course of the trip the train had become more than just a mode of transportation, it was a moving community; the dining car, observation dome, and cozy lounges fostering countless conversations, laughter, and shared moments of awe at the passing landscapes.

One of the most poignant moments was saying goodbye to the friends we made during this journey. These were people from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique stories and experiences, many were older, their lives rich with wisdom and adventures. I believe age should not deter you from holding a conversation with anyone, I find great wisdom in learning from those who have lived much longer than I, their tales filled the hours with a sense of connection and understanding that bridged our differences. This brings me to quote an extract from one of my favourite books ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’ by George Clason :

“I will tell you these things you wish to know because I am becoming an old man, and an old tongue loves to wag. And when youth comes to age for advice he receives the wisdom of years. But too often does youth think that age knows only the wisdom of days that are gone, and therefore profits not. But remember this, the sun that shines today is the sun that shone when thy father was born, and will still be shining when thy last grandchild shall pass into the darkness.

"The thoughts of youth,' he continued, 'are bright lights that shine forth like the meteors that oft make brilliant the sky, but the wisdom of age is like the fixed stars that shine so unchanged that the sailor may depend upon them to steer his course. “

Being open to others in our daily routines can be transformative. The magic of crossing paths with extraordinary individuals isn't confined to distant lands and grand adventures; it’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

The simple act of chatting with the cashier at Sainsbury’s, asking how the barista is doing while they prepare our coffee, or engaging in a conversation with an Uber driver can reveal remarkable stories and wisdom. These brief interactions, often seen as mundane, hold the potential to deepen our understanding of the world and our place within it. This is something I have definitely learned from my mother, who will chat to anyone, and whilst at certain times I have cringed at this, I now realise more than ever the value of a conversation.

In these moments, we are reminded of our shared humanity. Each person we meet carries a unique perspective shaped by their own journey, and by taking the time to listen and connect, we open ourselves to learning and growing in unexpected ways. Every single encounter, no matter how fleeting, is an opportunity to make a positive impact and to be impacted in return.

So, let's embrace the serendipity of meeting new people, both near and far. Let’s be curious, ask questions, and truly listen. You never know who you are going to meet and what you are going to learn. Each interaction is a chance to forge a connection, to share a smile, to brighten someone’s day, and to recognise the profound blessing of every person who crosses our path.