I love this story I read on Skylab recently. It is sweet, courageous and is just what we need to connect to each other in simple yet profound ways.

Even if you’ve never been to New York City, you’ve seen people on the subways in lots of films and you understand how day to day, people commuting this way, seem to remain silent amongst each other and disconnected.

The story

So there’s this woman, Evelyn, who is a regular NYC subway commuter and is aware of the silent, distant energy of the train ride. She decides one day, after gaining much courage to write a note (pictured above) and hand it out to random people.

This part is cute.

In her voice, “Honestly hon? I was terrified. The first time I did it, I hid in the corner of the car for almost my whole journey home. I only raised the courage two stops before I had to get off. I quickly stood up, took a deep breath and just started handing out the note. Truthfully, I’m not sure I knew what I was doing until I had no more paper in my hand. But I tell you something. Somebody always wants to talk to you. Always.” Skylab

Yes we humans do like to connect and talking is a great way.

One woman’s response

Here’s one woman’s response after she was handed the note, “But I don’t understand,” I said, not sure whether to look at the amazing note or the amazing Evelyn herself, “Where on earth did you find the guts to do this?” The words are clumsily slipping out of me for the surprise. “I’m British so public displays of expression tend to be completely off limits for me. I think what you’re doing is absolutely amazing.”Skylab

Yes, and so do I. Evelyn, you are my hero. May you start a trend that spreads from subway to subway in city to city across our planet divine. Thank-you Skylab for sharing this story.