In a post last week, I wrote about the wrong crowd. This week, I was thinking about the people who make up my community of loose connections. These are people who I interact with on a regular basis – some everyday, some weekly and some monthly.
- A neighbor who I dog sit for occasionally has helped me move furniture, periodically drops off fresh smoked meats and was my ride home from my two hernia surgeries.
- A neighbor who’s a walker like me, that makes time to chat whenever we see each other.
- My neighbor who helped me when Snickers got stung by a bee and I needed an extra set of hands to remove a stinger and who gifted me some “hometown Pittsburgh food” when I first moved here. She’s always quick with a smile and full of joy. Lately, I’ve been putting her trash out while she recovers from an injury.
- The pool check in staff and lifeguards who greet me by name, notice when I’m late, injured or changing my workout routines.
- The vet techs who take care of my dogs with everything from routine nail clipping to vaccinations and occasional emergency care.
- My dental hygienist, who sees me every 3 months and has become so familiar with my teeth that she’s customized my cleaning routine to accommodate my teeth and sensitivity.
- The other walkers whom I run into, rain or shine, in frigid weather and brutal heat waves, who make sure to catch my eye and wave hello or cross the street to fawn over my dogs.
- A few members of the Solo forum, from locations around the globe, who offer support, information and kudos online. I can always count on them to bring insightful and thought-provoking feedback.
- A friend I’ve known for 10 years who reaches out to get every few months to catch-up in person.
These people are all admirable. They are kind, conscientious and friendly. They are fully of energy and joy. I respect how they treat their families, perform their work and carry themselves in the world.
I am fortunate to find myself surrounded by the right crowd.
And just like being surrounded by the wrong crowd, I don’t think it’s by accident. It’s because I am part of the right crowd too.
