the sunlight in people

 Graduating college from one of the most social schools made me a much more interactive person. Shopping alone at Trader Joe’s picking out a new snack or going to the book section at Target or walking my dog in the morning, I always beg for interaction. With anyone, really. 

“That’s an amazing book, you should give it a try.”

“Thank you so much, my dog is so old she’s already 16!”

“Are these chips any good?”

Every person I meet during that day I am dying to know their story. What is their name? Why are they wearing that sweater? Where did they go to school? Did they even go to school? Who are their friends and family? Could they be my friend? 

By observing and being curious of others, I find myself moving away from my own issues. I wonder what went through their minds as they chose that outfit they’re wearing for the day. I wonder why they are in a coffee shop and not at work on a Tuesday morning. I wonder how my yoga teacher became a master of yoga and what prompted her to start. I wonder if I could connect with them, listen to their stories, understand their pains. 

By being aware of the people around me, I gradually understand how strangers also have terrible, depressing days along with happy, sunny ones. 

That’s probably why I love to read so much. Not knowledgeable, factual books. But stories about people and their lives. Strangers are books to be read, stories to be heard. I want to get to know everyone and everything but alas, fate has to draw us together. 

So instead, I try to pray for everyone I see on the street, every person passing by a grocery store, every cashier that checks me out. I pray for the animals I eat, I pray for the people that prepared my food, I pray for all the living beings that breathe and walk this earth. 

I know I’m not Jesus or God but I try my best to be the beacon of light others can’t reach.

Karina Ip     January 29th, 2025