Sarah Warsi

Alas, December came and the snow was right behind it! But, admittedly, we had a pretty good stretch of dry weather for much longer than anticipated. And let’s face it, it’s not really winter without the white stuff.

Now when it comes to driving in the white stuff, that is never fun and I try to minimize it as much as possible. This is where I have a renewed appreciation for public transit and rideshare! The other day I decided I was better off taking a rideshare when I had to go across town and there was the impending threat of a snowstorm. It was one of those situations where I would have probably reached my destination just fine, but would have had a rough drive back. So I decided to just air on the side of caution and avoid having to deal with that possibility. Better safe than sorry, always.

Both of my rides were pleasant and smooth, but I had a particularly special experience on my ride back. The first driver that was dispatched decided that the trek was probably too far out and cancelled at the last minute, and I was then re-assigned to another person. As soon as I hopped in the back, I was met with a warm, welcoming smile.

At this point, the snow was really starting to come down but this lady had the most positive, unbothered attitude, which was so comforting. She immediately started chatting as if we might have been acquainted at a previous time in our lives.

There are moments in life where you’ll come across complete strangers in whatever capacity – whether it’s a rideshare, someone you’re in the elevator with, someone you’re standing in line with at a store – whatever the case might be – and you unexpectedly develop this instantaneous connection. Suddenly, they are pouring their life story out to you and it doesn’t feel weird. It actually feels warm and welcoming. This was definitely one of those moments.

So for the entire journey, which lasted almost an hour because of the weather, she told me about her life, her family and personal trials and tribulations. Let’s face it, not every one will be as receptive to engaging in banter to that degree – some people just want to zone out during a ride and be left alone, and I am usually one of those people, but she had such a warm vibe about her, that I honestly didn’t mind carrying on the conversation. It also goes to show you that we connect with others based on the energy we give off to one another. If you’re giving a good and warm vibe, that could often be enough for someone to feel comfortable enough to open up to you, even if they don’t even know what your last name is.

Another thing that resonated with me during our chat was that she mentioned how much she enjoys driving in the winter because it brings her a sense of calming and peace relish the beauty of the snow falling around her. And focusing on a positive can make you feel more at ease while you’re navigating through the slick conditions.

Of course this struck me considering how opposite I feel about it! lol My problem is with the unpredictability that you’re met with in the winter. It could be clear one moment, and then snow-squalling the next. Again, you could have a vehicle that is completely equipped to drive in the winter, but if mentally you’re not confident enough, then it won’t matter. It’s all psychological in the end.

However, her perspective was refreshing and humbling and perhaps something for me to try to help ease my own angst (and anyone else that is reading this that feels the same way).

Overall, it was a pleasant and heart-warming engagement, and when I was being dropped off, she reiterated how much she enjoyed chatting with me and that she hoped our paths might cross again at some point. I came away feeling unexpectedly uplifted and good about brightening someone else’s day well.

I leave you with this quote:

“Never stop doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.” – Unknown