Small Town vs. Big City

As you know, Mike and I moved this summer. We now live in a very small city, and I mean very. I was a little apprehensive to move her because there isn't much around. There are little shops, stores and businesses. We are right off a major highway, so we do not have to travel more than 15 minutes to get to a larger town though. Anyway, when we first moved I was having a hard time adjusting to how slow the town moves. Cashiers, checkers, drivers, walkers.....everything one setting.....slow. It did not take me long though to appreciate it as I do now. I makes me more patient. But, what I love the most is in every situation, whether it be the bank teller, the post office worker, the gas station cashier, they always take the time to do 2 things:  Smile and ask how I am doing. And they mean it. Every time. A year ago if someone were holding be up by not moving as fastly as I hoped for, I would have been short and rude. I am not proud of that, that is just the honest truth. However, this weekend, I caught myself. I have fallen into there trap. I do it now too. I slow down and I am kind. I ask them how they are. I have had more conversations with complete strangers than I ever have. I have also noticed I have become more calm since moving here. I am more relaxed and at peace. Weird, but makes sense. Love the unexpected. Another reason my sweet small town was in my thoughts is due to a convo I shared with our friend, Aeric, earlier last week. He is currently in Chicago, playing the role as a law student with lots of stress, not enough time and working hard to have dreams come true. The big city is getting to him and starting to take its toll. He is counting the days. I can only empathise with him. He is dying to get back to him home town of STL. As we talked, I reminded him to keep pushing and as much as we all are patiently awaiting his arrival, he should try to keep his smile the last few months in Chicago. Easier said than done, I know. I was able to connect though from a different angle. I am always thinking and reflecting, trying to make connections. Not that I want to bring it back to me, but I think we all can benefit from others perspectives and learn new things about ourselves, if you let yourself live in that moment.