Everybody craves connection, whether they like to admit it or not. So, don’t be too shy to get to know people. By reaching out, you also get closer to knowing yourself. What we observe in others is already present or wants to be present within us. Therefore, you never know where a little faith and words may lead you. Thinking back on the interaction I had in the bus, I am glad I didn’t respond with my typical “Who is this stranger talking to me?” attitude. That should just serve as another reminder to enjoy all that life has to offer in its own weird but amazing ways — especially human connection, as it is truly what anchors us in this uncertain world.

I’ve lived a lot of my life doing things in order to make my younger self proud, and I think that 6-year-old, wide-eyed me would be more than proud to see where I am today. So, I’d like to write a small ode to her and tell her of all the things I wish someone had told me.

Instead of trying to map the future, let’s embrace uncertainty and reach these answers by living.