Do you feel lonely? You don't have to!

How is it possible to feel lonely while surrounded by people all the time? It happens a lot and it's more common now more than ever before. We live in a society where most of our interactions with others actually don't happen in person. Instead, words and thoughts are exchanged through technology.

Actually having a conversation has become mundane and most of our communication happens through our fingers, typing away yet another "LOL" and "TTYL". If you don't know what these acronyms stand for, you're better off! You may be "behind with the times" but if it means that you still pick up your phone and actually call your friends, then you are certainly behind with the times but ahead of everyone else. You're ahead of those who have stopped focusing on building face to face connections and have fallen into the endless world of "likes" "tagging" and "pokes". Which by the way, dear Facebook, the poking option is just creepy and weird and confirms my point that someone would take the time to "poke" his friend and most likely, wouldn't actually call or meet them in person.

Inspirational wall in the hip Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA 

Now, I say all of this with a deep appreciation for what technology and social networking have done for the ease of keeping in touch with people I've met while traveling who are scattered all over the world. Without email, Facebook and Skype, keeping in touch with those people would be nearly impossible. A few people yes, I could write some letters and mail them out. You know, the old fashioned way. But the rest of the connections would most likely be lost. Now this question comes into my mind; are the many connections we are able to keep through the Internet are of high quality? If you put some time into it then yes, for sure! Otherwise, the writing back and forth becomes exhausting and with the fast paced life that most people lead these days, it almost becomes a chore to keep in touch. How many times have you heard people groan about having to reply to emails and that they've been procrastinating writing back to this person and that person. It all comes down to taking the time to write to someone and also writing from the heart and not only writing for the sake of replying fast. But so many things these days are fast and happen instantly, that we have grown accustomed to rushing through things that should be enjoyed slowly and without a time limitation.

 A cool random moment near the Rose Garden at Balboa Park 

It's extremely important for people to be conscious about how much of their time they are spending escaping into the addicting world of internet while skimping on their actual, in person relationships. We need to put down our phones, tablets and all the other communication devices and walk outside to be a part of this world once in a while. When you catch yourself, aimlessly and brainlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, stop! Stop ignoring the rest of the world and step outside to breathe some fresh air and have an actual conversation. Remember, the world will not end if you will have unread Facebook notifications for a day or two. ;) Or just be on your own and don't be afraid to see where your thoughts will take you. 

Before you go though, let's play a game. Notice how many times a day you pick up your phone just to look at it, without having any reason or checking to see if someone replied to your text message. That number is probably quite high. Mine was! Notice how many times a day you open Facebook or any other communication platform. That number is also probably very high and could definitely be reduced. 

As small and easy as this experiment is, it's a great way to open up your eyes and break away a bit from your usual habits. Don't do it for me though, do it for yourself! Give yourself more time and use that time wisely because everyday is a blessing and you are the only one who can set the course of that day. Decide to be happy, decide to appreciate and decide to live in the moment. 

While I was sitting on a bench writing in front of a fountain in the main square of Balboa Park just outside of downtown San Diego, a small group of colorfully dressed women from China approached me. They huddled next to me on the bench to take a picture with me. Why me? I don't know, but I enjoyed it to the fullest! I've gotten used to strangers wanting to take pictures with me while traveling through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Whatever their exact reason was though, it didn't really matter, because in that moment, all of us created a connection, a memory. They didn't speak any English and I only knew how to say thank you in Chinese. But still for a few minutes we all laughed and smiled and walked away from that experience with a warm, happy feeling inside.

I took a picture with my new Chinese friends too :) 

So again, go out there and talk to people, listen, smile, interact. Probably not all encounters will be exciting and memorable but every situation and moment possesses it's own unique beauty. Try to see that beauty and live in the moment. The world won't feel like such a lonely place and the sun will come out to shine on you.