The Beauty of Unexpected Exchanges

Main character energy , Solo Date Diaries , Observing & Writing , Wisdom from Strangers and Embracing My Social Side .

Yesterday, I went on a solo date that felt refreshingly different. Instead of the usual shopping spree for makeup, perfumes, or clothes, I decided to visit my favorite park especially during the fall. The air was crisp and peaceful, making it the perfect setting for some reflection. I packed my journal, a pen, and a bottle of water, ensuring I had everything I needed for a lovely day. Dressed in a cool, comfy outfit, I spritzed on my Zadig & Voltaire perfume, applied a touch of baby pink blush, and lined my lips with MAC lip liner, finishing off with a gloss. I headed to the park, and to my surprise, I walked quite a bit in my kitten heels. Once a girl who disliked heels, I now find myself falling in love with them and dream of building a whole collection! I think I covered about 8k steps before stopping by my favorite city bakery, where I treated myself to a croissant and a cheese pastry food secured! As I made my way to the park, I noticed all the benches were filled with people, and I wondered where I would find a spot to sit and enjoy my meal. Just then, I spotted a cool place that felt perfect, and I was thrilled to sit down.

I love going to the park it was MAGICAL

As I began eating, I looked around and felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. In front of me were grandmas chatting and enjoying each other's company, and to my right was a girl with stunning highlights, savoring her ice cream. I recognized her as a university student or perhaps someone who works in the nearby library; she often frequents that spot. The park was alive with people eating lunch, engaging in conversations, and groups of girls picnicking on the grass. The atmosphere was truly magical; I can't quite explain it. Despite being alone, I felt a profound happiness that was powerful and liberating. It was as if I were the main character of my own story, fully capable of doing anything I wanted and relishing my own company. Sometimes, I find myself wishing for a friend who mirrors my interests a kindred spirit with whom I can share endless conversations and learn from one another. It’s a bit odd, but can you imagine how fulfilling it would be to have someone who resonates with you on so many levels? I hope to find her soon!

Well, with around 960 amazing people following me on Substack, I’m sure there are at least one or two who share my interests! If you think we’d vibe, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m eager to make new connections and foster some mutual friendships. Let’s chat! 🤍

There’s something incredibly healing about nature that’s hard to put into words. Every time I’m stressed, I head to the park, surrounded by trees and greenery, and suddenly, everything feels right again. It’s like a reset button for my mind. I know there’s actual science behind this, you know i love reading and learning so my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to dig into it. Here’s what I found...

Articles i found :

How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain

Levels of Nature and Stress Response

A 20-minute nature break relieves stress

But just how a visit to a park or other green space might alter mood has been unclear. Does experiencing nature actually change our brains in some way that affects our emotional health?

I’m surprised i asked myself the exact same question yesterday! I’m so glad I came across this article; it really gave me the answers I was looking for.

: These results “strongly suggest that getting out into natural environments” could be an easy and almost immediate way to improve moods for city dwellers, Mr. Bratman said.

But of course many questions remain, he said, including how much time in nature is sufficient or ideal for our mental health, as well as what aspects of the natural world are most soothing. Is it the greenery, quiet, sunniness, loamy smells, all of those, or something else that lifts our moods? Do we need to be walking or otherwise physically active outside to gain the fullest psychological benefits? Should we be alone or could companionship amplify mood enhancements?

The night before, I opened my journaling Pinterest board and wrote down some journal prompts for my upcoming park visit. Here are a few:

1. What gives you energy and what takes it away ?

2. What do you love about yourself ?

3. What brings you comfort ?

4. How do i want to be perceived ?

5. What are things i admire on others that i want to have as well?

6. What inspire me ?

7. Gratitude list ( 10 things you are grateful for )

   

I was sitting and eating when a woman approached me and asked, "Puis-je m’asseoir, ma fille?" (Can I sit here?) since I was the only one on the bench. I smiled and said, "Sure, sit." My first impression of her was that she could be a French or English , Art professor or maybe someone who works at a university she had that intellectual, refined aura. She was in her 50s, wearing sunglasses, and had a calm presence. She started by saying, "I love coming here; it’s so peaceful, the nature, everything." I responded with, "Yeah, me too! I love nature so much. This is my favorite place to recharge." She smiled and said, "Nature is truly healing." I agreed and mentioned, "I’d love to understand how just seeing trees can make us feel so happy." She looked at me and said, "In Japan, people actually go near trees and hug them. It helps release anxiety and stress." I had already seen that on TikTok, but hearing it in person made the conversation feel effortless and genuine two strangers enjoying the same space.

She was smiling throughout, and I could tell she enjoyed our chat. I opened up about how I’d been struggling with anxiety for the past few months, how hard it had been to leave the house, and how I was still trying to get back to normal.

She listened attentively and then shared, "I come here just to sit and look at the trees. I also use an app to help me breathe." Curious, I asked her about the app, and she told me it’s called *Cohérence Cardiaque - Cohera*, which helps with breathing . She showed me how to breathe through my nose, something I never really did before, even though my mom, who’s a psychologist, always encouraged me to. I’ve been a mouth breather since childhood because of my asthma, so it was hard for me. But this app intrigued me, and I was excited to try it out. She explained that proper breathing could solve a lot of my anxiety and stress. She even mentioned the box breathing technique, which I had read about in self-help books back in 2020 but never really tried.Maybe if I had practiced breathing properly back then, I wouldn’t have been as anxious. She also shared her experiences with meditation and how it's helped her.

Then the coolest part of our conversation started when she began talking about gratitude and visualization two of my absolute favorite things! I was so excited because I love these topics so much. We were chatting away when she suddenly asked me, "Are you a university student? You seem to know a lot about these things." I smiled and told her, "Actually, I just graduated this June, and I’m a scientific researcher / biologist / physiologist ." She was genuinely surprised and responded, "Oh, my dear, but you look young!" she told me my daughter is studying computer science and is really into math

For the gratitude part, she told me, "You need to be grateful for everything you have." I smiled and showed her my journal, which is filled with pages of gratitude. She was so shocked and said, "I love this! Yes, you should keep doing it all the time!" We continued talking, and I shared new knowledge with her about the microbiome, wellness, and how the gut is considered the second brain. She was really learning from me, and I felt the same from her it was such an amazing conversation! Then, when we touched on visualization, I wanted to mention The Secret book, which is already on my reading list. Minutes later, she surprised me by bringing up The Secret movie! I was like, "Wow!" It was such an effortless connection; I can’t even explain it. I wished the conversation could’ve lasted an hour, but even though it was just 15 minutes, it was packed with so many insights. She even recommended watching the movie, which is already on my watchlist!

Her friends eventually came over and jokingly said, We thought you invited this girl." She laughed and responded, "No, I just met her, but I’m so happy about the conversation we had! Then she added, "She’s literally the cutest!" and that i was a benediction for her today I was so flattered and a little shy, but so happy. I felt like I was a blessing for her today. Our conversation was so uplifting, and it seemed to bring joy to both of us. It was a beautiful reminder of how meaningful connections can happen in the most unexpected placesIt made my day even better. My solo date was already fun, but this unexpected encounter made it so much more special , I loved every moment of it!

Here’s some lessons i learned from her :

1. You should accept yourself just the way you are, flaws and all. Even if there’s something you don’t particularly like about yourself, remember that you are unique in your own way.

2. Always focus on the present moment don’t get caught up in the future or dwell on the past. Instead, think about what you can do today to make your life more beautiful and fulfilling

3. Take time to meditate, learn how to breathe, and most importantly, be yourself.

Hours later, she sent me a message saying, "Hi manel ( it’s my name ) I was so happy from our meeting! You are a unique girl and truly one of a kind. Have a wonderful day!" Reading that made my day.

This is your sign to start talking to strangers , you will learn alot of things and you will feel also so happy .

I hope you enjoyed reading this and that you learned somehting , i can’ wait to share my weekly obsessions this week i’m making this post.

See you soon angels .

My instagram