As I sit waiting to help a friend with his Kettlebell boot camp promo downtown in the sun I noticed how many people are disconnected from those around them.

It’s sunny and gorgeous outside for a Winnipeg autumn day and the downtown lunch crowd is bustling, but everyone might as well be on a deserted island because no one is engaging with each other.

I’ve been here smiling away at every person who passes–most don’t notice and the others look and then quickly look away.

And then one older man stopped, looked at me square in the face and smiled a wonderfully warm smile! He commented on the warmth of the sunshine and how he was enjoying it and then went on his way.

It seemed so rare and beautiful a gesture to engage me in conversation. Thank you sir for reminding me that the norm should be awareness of our neighbours on the sidewalk and gratitude for the sunshine!

Start your week by taking the time to smile and showing gratitude for the sunshine today!

AishaXO