We are the World Blogfest

#WATWB – We are the World Blogfest -One Man’s Journey to Speak With 10,000 Strangers

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Welcome back to the first share for 2020 of the We are the World Blogfest – #WATWB. The community where each last Friday of the month, we share something good going on around the world to deflect from some of the bad news we get plenty of and promote good deeds and random acts of kindness. Today I’m sharing a wonderful idea  this man has  ventured into on a mission to ignite kindness, communication and compassion incorporated into his daily living.

 

I felt drawn to this particular act because I believe the world is so embedded in their technology and digital media world, and it’s not hard to notice in every public space that human relations: making eye contact with a stranger, common courtesy, polite salutations, seem to be eroding with time.

 

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This article was written by REBECCA WOJNO, CONTRIBUTOR to Goodnet.org

Today, social media effortlessly brings people together from all over the world through shared interests. There are more and more ways for people to connect online.

But with our busy lives, with texting is replacing conversations, people are feeling lonely and actually communicating less. That’s why Rob Lawless, a 28-year-old extrovert from Philadelphia who has spent the last four years having an hour-long face-to-face conversation with a stranger a day is so unique.

“The concept of meeting up with someone for absolutely no reason other than just to get to know them is so foreign to people that they think there must be some agenda. In reality, I’m just here to sit with you and talk about anything,” Lawless told News 10.

During a typical day, he’ll speak to around four strangers and since 2015, he’s spoken to more than 2,800 people. . . continue reading

 

 

Source: One Man’s Journey to Speak With 10,000 Strangers – Goodnet

 

Each month a group of writers share a post on acts of goodness going on around the world to deflect off the negative news around the world. This months hosts are:

D. Biswas – https://www.damyantiwrites.com/

L. Hartz – https://authorlizbethhartz.com/blog

S. Garg – http://shilpaagarg.com/

M. Giese – https://maryjmelange.wordpress.com

S. Stein – https://ssteinwriting.wordpress.com/

 

If you’d like to participate, visit the #WATWB Facebook page and add your story share.

 

 

 

37 thoughts on “#WATWB – We are the World Blogfest -One Man’s Journey to Speak With 10,000 Strangers”

  2. I love this idea! 💖 Conversation is fast becoming a lost art in modern society. It’s heartwarming to see a young person try and recapture those personal connections. Thanks for sharing Rob’s story.

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  3. What a mission! To think that someone would want to take the time to get to know strangers is beautiful. Much success to him as he continues this inspiring project. Thanks for sharing, Debby!

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  6. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Friday January 31st 2020 – #Justice Peter Springer, #WATWB D.G. Kaye, #Grief When Women Inspire | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  7. That’s pretty cool. What a way to build connections and change people’s minds. I love stories about people making a positive impact. And so seldom does it require more than a little time and effort. Great share, Debby.

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    1. So true Diana. The world needs to learn how to re-engage. The digital world has surely taken away a lot of human interaction -especially with the younger generation. 😦

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  8. I don’t think this would be difficult for me, Debby. I am quite chatty and often talk to strangers in the airport, queues and other places. I like learning about people and it is nice for them when others take an interest in their lives.

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  9. It’s a wonderful concept, but over here in the UK quite a lot of people would be rather perturbed by a stranger walking up to them and engaging them in a lengthy conversation. Us Brits are all a bit reserved!

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    1. Thanks Balroop. Conversations equal human interaction, something much of the digital world has sliced thin. I hope it spreads. I know that I always talk to people. Almost a lost art. 🙂

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  11. Such a great article Debby thank you for sharing it. Nothing nicer than having a one on one conversation with an unknown person and just simply chatting. May the art of conversation never be lost.

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  13. What an interesting man! Oh gosh, now I’ve got the image of the guy from the Dos Equis ads in my mind. These things have a way of starting small and growing. I also like the fact that he lets the other person steer the conversation.

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  14. Hi Debby – what an interesting project … I’d get a sore throat!! … but I do talk to loads of people, I also keep to myself. The British Library is doing projects on recording conversations … and our dialects … and they’ve a Listening Project … also recordings of conversations with people who are inspirational.

    Fascinating to read about him … he’s obviously inspiring so many – thanks for letting us know about him. He’ll help so many in so many ways – cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your enthusiasm for Rob and his social endeavors. I love the idea of the Listening Project! Any thing that gets people inspired is a good thing! Hugs! 🙂 x

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  15. Wow, what a wonderful way to spend your day – getting to know the people of this planet. Rob is blessed with being able to connect with people, no agenda, in a sincere and meaningful way. Thanks for sharing this story for #WATWB. Rob is one special human!

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