Wanting to Feel Alive: A Story of Strangers & Donuts

I'm sitting on the floor in my living room. I'm wearing black yoga pants, a tight white tank, and my favorite oversized sweater. My back is firmly pressed against the couch and my legs are fully extended and crossed at the ankle. 

"Judging by the looks of my toes, it seems I'm in need of a pedicure." She says as she scrunches her entire face and covers them with a blanket.

(Brings coffee to her lips)

How many of you could use a little more energy?

Okay. That's what I thought.

I am going to tell you a story about something that filled my soul with so much energy I didn't know what to do with myself.

(Gently squeezes her cup)

"The other day, I decided to buy donuts for a large group of men working outside." She says with glee.

One morning, as I was driving Sophia to daycare, it was down to one lane and I was stopped by the guy holding the STOP/SLOW sign.

"What are we doing mommy?" Sophia asked.

As I turned down the soundtrack to Mary Poppins, I told her we are waiting patiently for that man to flip his sign to SLOW.

"Ohhh." She says as she continues to play with Susan and Mr. Bear.

Thinking nothing of it, the man flipped the sign and we continued to drive.

After dropping Sophia off, mommy turned up the classic rock and headed back home. When I came back to the orange cones, I was the first car in line to stop.

Looking over at this guy holding the sign I thought, "Man, that must be the most boring job ever. Standing there...holding a sign...watching cars go by...over and over and over."

I turned down my music a bit, smiled at him, and offered a quick wave. He turned the sign and smiled back.

I love when people smile back.

Slowly driving forward, I see to my right a large group of men standing in an uneven circle. I don't know about you, but I always wonder what they're talking about. Are they waiting for something? Are they taking a break? Are they talking about the removal of the next pole? 

(Slowly sips her coffee)

Whatever it was, for some reason I had this crazy idea to do something to make everyone in the circle smile.

"They look cold. What if I brought them all coffee?!"

No. Too messy and hard to carry. 

"Ooo, let's go get donuts!"

But donuts are so high in refined sugars. Maybe I could buzz home quick and make some no-bake energy balls or some gluten-free muffins.

"Goodness, we don't have time for that. That's just stupid. Go get them donuts." She says to herself.

So instead of taking a right to go home, I cranked up the CCR and continued straight to the nearest Kwik Trip. 

Waiting in line at the gas station, it felt like I had a hanger in my mouth my smile was so big. I mean here I was, on a random Tuesday, still in my pajamas, holding a dozen donuts to spontaneously give to a dozen strangers.

That's some fun energy.

As I sped back to the job site, hoping they're all still on a break, I see them standing there and I shout, sweet! out loud in my car.

I had to whip a uie because there was no room to park on the right side of the road; so I literally pulled up right onto a huge piece of plywood next to one of their vehicles.

This is when the nerves kicked in.

Grabbing the donuts from the passenger seat, I started to feel like a huge dork. Then I thought, "No. There's no going back now. Put your shoulders back and deliver the goods."

Walking through the mud, realizing I hadn't yet brushed my teeth, I reached the circle of guys and said, "Hello!" Startling one of them leaning on a Ford.

"It looks like you guys could use some sweet treats." 

At first, no one said anything. They almost looked confused. I hid my awkwardness behind my smile and continued to say, "I just felt like you guys could use something to brighten your day today." Then an older gentleman with a snowy white beard said, "Wow, well what a treat. Thank you so much."

He reminded me of George Clooney, but with a thicker beard and a different face. 

As I handed off the glazed treats, the others, still looking bemused, smiled and said thank you, too. Not feeling a need to stay and chat, I quickly said, "You're welcome! Make it a great day guys!" And hurried back to my car.

That's when the rush hit me. 

"OH MY GOODNESS I FEEL SO ALIVE!" 

One of Google's definitions for alive is: (of a person or animal) alert and active; animated. Synonyms: lively, vibrant, enthusiastic, spirited, bouncy, bubbly, chipper, peppy, zestful, energized.

Who knew giving random strangers enriched-bleached flour circles would energize someone's spirit so much. For the entire day, my soul literally had the warm fuzzies.

(Smiles/takes deep breath in)

What is something that makes you feel alive?

Maybe it's planning a big surprise party. Maybe it's cliff diving. Maybe it's running your best mile. 

If you haven't felt alive in a while and you're not sure where to start, I highly suggest swinging into your nearest Kwik Trip, buying a few donuts, and giving them to some random strangers.

Do something that lights you up today.

Maybe it will light someone else up, too.

If you found value in this blog, please give it a share or drop a comment below! My name is Sam. I'm a delightfully charismatic blogger with hints of boldness and sass. And I am your guide to finding the good.

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