Check out and enjoy this song “Room On Your Shoulder” by Adam Melchor & Mt. Joy while reading…
Life is filled with a ton of pit stops. I think of pit stops as varying moments of meaningful connection.
It hit me recently how so many people who have impacted my life are no longer in my life. People who have influenced my life in such a way that has truly shaped who I am now and who I long to be. I haven’t been able to shake just how fascinating it truly is. I wanted to write about it because it’s simply a testament to how incredibly beautiful life is - especially when we can let go of outcomes, let go of control and focus on our journey while simultaneously opening our arms to the people we meet along the way.
There was a time in my life that I didn’t care about the red, blue and yellow lines that show up on the camera when you are in reverse. That is until I met someone who said “use the yellow lines” when he was a passenger in my vehicle. And to this day, I think about that and I smile and I use the yellow lines when I back into a parking space - and most of the times it helps! Other times, I’m sure I’m giving someone a show. Anyway, I also thought this man was an angel when I first met him. Not an angel like “he’s an angel, he’s so sweet”. No, like a legit angel. Because he said words that pierced my soul so deeply right during a time I needed to hear them. The way he looked at me and said “love yourself - no matter what”. He didn’t know how much that touched me on a level that went far beyond what we were really doing - having a first date. I cling to the gift of those words that he spoke to me even though he is no longer a part of my life.
I really think people come into our lives for moments, right when we need them. It could be a 5-minute conversation, a first date or a few words you overhear in passing. This person was in my life for a few months and now they aren’t but the experience will be with me forever. Not every person we develop a relationship with is meant to be in our lives forever - and so over the years, I’ve just started to accept that and appreciate the time I get to be with someone, without expectations. What I have found is that releasing expectations makes room to receive the unexpected. To live life that way feels good. It feels light. It allows me to meet and experience people just as they are and open my eyes and ears to their perspective on the world and perhaps, gain a golden nugget. Like receiving the message to love yourself no matter what. I’m able to look back on that experience with appreciation.
So this is what I call a “Pit Stop Person”. That is because on my journey, I had this encounter. Maybe it lasted a few months. It could have lasted a few years. Either way, in the grand scheme of things, on my life’s journey, this would be considered a pit stop along the way. Someone who crossed my path and made an impact.
Pit Stop People are not subject to only being in your life once and then sayonara. Pit Stop People give themselves that definition when as life goes on, they fade away from yours. That is not a bad thing, that is just life. When we flow with life - when we stop trying so hard to hold on - what is meant for us will find its way. We will not miss out.
Life is just incredible it really is. The idea that something extraordinary could happen today. A happenstance influences the rest of your life. What you once thought was impossible, becomes possible. Something extraordinary exists. And if we pay attention, if we look close, the extraordinary is everywhere. It’s our mindset that allows us to see it. Thank you, God, for the people I have met along the way.
So begins “Pit Stop People”… stay tuned for more.
Thanks for reading!
Alexandra