Wanderlee is a bi-monthly email from Akina Marie about finding the magic in the little things. Feel free to share excerpts from this newsletter with someone you think might enjoy it. Thank you for being here!
About four years ago, I was en route to Bali and spent the 12-hour trip from San Francisco to China, dead asleep. Other than the fact I was assigned to the very back seats of the airplane (no reclining for me), I was physically and mentally drained that even a hot meal couldn’t entice me to wake up.
I later learned that my seat buddy’s name was Jose. On the two occasions that the flight attendants passed out meals, Jose kindly woke me to ask me if I wanted my food. I politely declined and continued my long nap until it was time to land.
When we finally landed in China for a short 1-hour layover, Jose pointed at my backpack.
“Hey! You got a Herschel, too!”
He turned to show me his black traveling backpack, and soon enough, we started chatting about our new adventures amongst other common interests– his new job in Vietnam, my nomad life in Bali, our love for the city of San Francisco, Asian snacks, raunchy sitcoms, and how we were two 28-year-olds trying to figure shit out.
We shared a very expensive beer ($12 for Heineken) in Singapore, exchanged numbers, and went to our separate gates. Jose and I are still friends to this day. In that very short amount of time, I made a lifelong friend.
So, if you’re wondering what the moral of the story is, it’s this:
A single conversation can completely change your life.
That moment changed the way I wrote about things, examined much of the world, and honed in on my mission to have as many meaningful conversations with people.
This is one way I continue to find magic in the world.
Would love to hear about your life changing conversations! Don’t forget to comment below.
Much love,
Akina
Inspired to connect?
1. Start here: 99 Mindful Conversation Topics For Deeper Connections ✨
2. Our parents are getting older, and while we know them as Mom, Dad, Step Mom, and Step Pops, there’s so much more to them. Get to know them on a personal level with these questions.
3. These Holstee Reflection Cards are the best pocket-sized cards to take with you. Every deck includes 100+ thought-provoking questions centered around mindful themes like Adventure, Creativity, and Resilience. Perfect to use with friends, family, and coworkers.
4. Food is always a great entry to having meaningful conversations. The late Anthony Bourdain was a master at this craft.
5. We’re Really Not Strangers. Couldn’t agree more.