“Your goal is finished!”, your system generated voice boomed over Taylor Swift’s as I finish my 20-min walk. It’s been a while since I had a morning walk, or any type of exercise really. So you were my much needed affirmation: That I can always start again. That all I have to do is start again. These thoughts, my body energized by movement, the sunshine on my face, and yeah… Taylor Swift’s pop songs are the catalysts that I needed to kickstart an otherwise banal day.

It’s funny how, sometimes, I can feel more motivated by something virtual and artificial than something organic — say, a real person.

–00–

“You have a nice day!”, you looked me in the eye and smiled genuinely as you walked out of the elevator. Your crisp, white button-down shirt, navy trousers, and tan brogues is a stark contrast from my flowy, floral dress and jelly shoes. You hold with ease a regular to-go coffee cup — probably an Americano or flat white — while I grasp my bulky breastpump bag by my side. We looked like David and Goliath from our reflection on the elevator doors. You’re probably one of those higher ups already. A big boss I would assume, judging by your luxe leather messenger bag and 20 dollar haircut. Kidding! Although they are true, it was your overall demeanor that was a dead giveaway — calm and collected, stoic and sure. But you still took time to greet me and gave me a smile. A real smile.

It’s funny how, sometimes, I can feel more connected with a total stranger than someone I actually know — say, an actual colleague.

–00–

“Dada!”, you called from behind. I turned around and called back your name, more of hollered or shrieked really, before we closed in on a hug and bisou. No matter where we are in our lives and our careers, we always fall into our juvenile routine of smacking and pushing each other, quite tenaciously I must say, when the other is being a funny asshat. Over lunch, we had a lot to talk about — mostly about life and love and momentous realizations. Concepts that before were just figments of our future ruminations, but now are very much part of our present and our reality. An hour and a half is not enough but it’s ok. We’ll see each other again — here, there, or anywhere. We’ll see each other again and continue where we left off, over fancy-ish brunch and warm water, which we prefer more now over late night Korean barbecues and drinks.

It’s funny how, sometimes, I can feel more rejuvenated by someone who I rarely talk with than someone who I talk with everyday — say, a non-LDR friend.

–00–

I’ve been thinking about 3 things lately, more than I would care to admit. One, how our thoughts shape our moods and could actually determine the outcome of our day. Two, how we can and should be a little bit kinder to one another. Three, how we build and cultivate connections.

Often time we judge the quality of our days based on the big moments. And it’s true for most parts. Big moments should always be celebrated. The danger with this is dismissing the small moments, too. Small moments, more often, are the ones that give us valuable lessons and our much needed realizations in life.

So here I am, writing about the small moments of my yesterday so that one day, I can go back to this and help me remember how an AI, a Stranger, and a Friend altogether made a seemingly banal day into something more interesting.