The Beauty of Unexpected Connection: What a Crowded Bus Taught Me About Kindness
- Lola Adeosun
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
The universe has a beautiful way of slowing us down exactly when we need it most.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
The other day, I found myself on a crowded city bus right at the peak of the afternoon school rush. If you have ever been on public transport at that hour, you know the exact scene. It was chaotic, to say the least: loud chatter, siblings teasing each other, tired parents navigating bulky strollers, and absolutely zero breathing room. Because the bus was packed tight, I ended up wedged into a small standing spot right against the exit door, just watching the world rush by.
What happens when someone remembers you?
Then, cutting through the loud hum of the crowd, I heard it. Someone called out my name.
I turned around and noticed a woman smiling warmly at me. For a fleeting moment my mind went completely blank. She clearly knew exactly who I was, but my brain was scrambling to place her. I will confess, I am not very good at recalling faces. Then, in a beautiful flash, recognition kicked in. She introduced herself, and the fog cleared. It was a wonderful woman I used to work with. The last time our paths had crossed was over eight years ago.
Right there, squeezed against the glass of the bus door while the world buzzed around us, time simply stood still. The years rolled back. In that short, sacred space, she shared how much her world had shifted since we last spoke. She had gotten married, built a new life, and was now a mother to two young, beautiful children.
Why do small moments of connection matter so much?
As she spoke, I felt a shift. It was not just a casual catch-up. I sensed a deeper, quiet longing in her eyes. In that brief moment she did not just need a polite acquaintance; she needed a confidant. She needed a safe space, a lifelong friend to reminisce with, and a gentle reminder of the person she was before the beautiful chaos of motherhood took over. The opportunity arrived in a flash, and we both stepped into it, sharing a vulnerable and soulful connection.
Before we could even finish our thoughts, the heavy traffic eased up, and it was time for her to gather her little ones and step off.
How do we stop letting busy days crowd out what matters?
As I watched her walk away, I realised how easily we all get swallowed up by our daily routines, deadlines, and endless to-do lists. We so often forget the profound beauty of raw, unexpected human connection. I am deeply grateful that our paths crossed that afternoon. What began as a chaotic commute became a beautiful reminder that we are all walking each other home, anchoring a fleeting, special memory right there by the bus door.
In every interaction, no matter how brief, let the fragrance of your kindness linger long after you are gone.
How can you practise intentional kindness today?
If this story stirred something in you, here are a few gentle ways to carry it into your week:
Notice the people right in front of you. Look up from your phone, your list, your worries, and meet the moment you are actually in.
Say the name. Remembering and using someone’s name tells them they mattered enough to be held in your memory.
Give the gift of a few honest minutes. You do not need a long conversation to make someone feel seen.
Reach out first. Do not wait for the perfect occasion to reconnect with someone you have lost touch with.
🌱 Always remember
Let’s not let our busy lives crowd out the moments that truly matter. Who is that person who popped into your mind while reading this? Send them a quick text today, just to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
Keep the conversation going
If this reminded you of the beauty of unexpected connections, I would love to hear from you. Join our Community of Kindness on WhatsApp, where we share stories like this one and encourage each other to live a little more intentionally.
You can also share your own experiences with us on www.memriz.online, and look out for the full story on my podcast over on YouTube, @lolaadeosun957.
Have a lovely week.
Lola 🪻
About the author
Lola Adeosun is the founder of Memriz, a purpose-led brand built around intentional kindness, meaningful connection, and transformational learning.
Through the Community of Kindness, coaching, and the Master Your Inner Kindness experience, Lola helps people live more intentionally and create a ripple effect of kindness in their homes, workplaces, and communities. She writes from real moments in her own life, like the one above.
Comments