Somebody's Watching

I, am a people watcher. I love to sit back and observe my environment and the people within in. It has always fascinated me to watch complete strangers and how they behave and  interact with one another and their environments when they don't realize someone is watching them. In those moments, even though we are strangers, I become a witness to their lives. Maybe some would not think that it is something special but I find it incredibly intimate. To be able to share in these passing moments with so many others who, for all intents and purposes, are complete strangers and to have my life touched and my perceptions changed just by the act of watching them...it is truly a remarkable thing.  I have seen the exchange of unconditional love between a parent and their child by the simple act of a hug or a smile, perhaps a laugh at something that was said or done. I have witnessed timeless respect and adoration between an elderly couple  who have spent their lives together and are more in love with each other in that moment than they have ever been before. I have seen new love bloom and old loves fade, new friendships formed and old friends reunited. I have watched siblings play, children learn and so many people enjoying all life has to offer them in those spans of time. Of course not all that I  have seen holds such bliss. I have also witnessed grief and loss, hurt and loneliness, betrayal and anger. I have seen pain, illness and too many broken spirits. I have seen a person contemplate their own moments of existence, another cry over a broken heart and still more struggle with the daily responsibilities of their lives. Our emotions are so personal to us. In those moments they are how we are defining ourselves.  How can watching those emotions manifest not be just as profound or humbling, as educational or painful? As I am often reminded, we do not live our lives in bubbles. Our actions, thoughts, words and deeds impact those around us, even if we don't realize it at the time. Perhaps this is a reminder to us all that we are never really alone, that there are those who are sharing our lives with us...even if it is in silence or from a distance. Perhaps that little bit of knowledge can help us to share our joy more willingly and shoulder the hardships of others for them a little more often. Perhaps just knowing someone is there, will make another's life feel that much more blessed.