A Trip to the Grocery Store and a Hug from a Stranger

My typical trip to the grocery store looks a little something like this: I have my list of items, go as fast as I possibly can through the store and find the fastest possible checkout line. Sometimes I’ll even put a podcast on during that time. Lately however, I have been intentional about focusing on the task at hand and being fully present in most everything I do. I’m certainly glad I chose to do this during my trip to the store this afternoon. If I hadn’t chosen to be present, I would have missed out on a touching connection and a hug from a stranger.

I had only needed one item on this trip to the store. I was headed towards the checkout line, when a woman, presumably in her 60’s, was headed towards the same one. She had a basket with several items and appeared to be anxious and hurried. I told her that I had plenty of time and to feel free to go ahead of me. She replied by saying, “you can tell that I am stressed, can’t you? “ She went on to tell me how she had recently moved her mom into a nursing facility and that her husband was also in one. Tears streamed down her face as she told me how overwhelmed with sadness she has been. Other than just listen to her story and give her the space to feel and cry, I asked her if I could give her a hug. She answered my question with a yes, and it was the longest hug that I have ever experienced with a stranger. After our interaction, I paid for my item and exited the grocery store. My thoughts instantly drifted to wonder how many moments I have missed out on like this, because I was in a hurry, distracted, or simply not present .

I don’t tell this story to make myself look good, but to share a moment that truly inspired me to want to be more present, more open, more giving, more caring and more connected. To me, these are the moments that give life depth and meaning.

Whether it be noticing when my son may need a little extra encouragement, my friend could use some time infused with fun, or a stranger might need a hug, these are the moments I don’t want to miss out on because I am too busy trying to finish my to-do list or too unaware because I am focused on the past or the future. I wouldn’t trade completing my to do list any day for a meaningful connection.

To the woman in the grocery store, thank you for the hug. To my readers, are you missing out on these special moments? When you look back on your life, what do you want to see more of; more accomplishments, knowing that you were really productive and successful by worldly standards or that you truly touched and possibly inspired the people around you?