How many times have you heard yourself say:

I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.

Many times we speak before we think - but even more so, we think through what we're going to say instead of how we're going to say it.

Spending my Wednesday dancing Samba alone wasn't supposed to be the plan.  Afterwork, I rushed to Lincoln Centers' Mid Summer Night Swing and barely made it on time.  Because of the anticipated rain only about 200 people showed up that evening when usually 800 out of the 1,000 tickets are sold nightly.  There was more space to dance.  The music was lively - with the drums just the way I liked it.

The basic steps, as the dance instructor described is like stepping on and squishing a really large cockaroach on the floor...??? I thought...the last time I stepped on a really large cockaroach was when I was 6 living in the Philippines...what happened to the sexy Brazilian dance I came here for?  But, he was absolutely right, the basic steps looked just like he described.

As I watched couples, single men and women on the dance floor, I realized I may very well be the only person who came alone.  I almost regretted going to a partner based dance event by myself.  As the feeling of loneliness crept into my skin, a 70+ year old man, about 5'3 with very bold facial features approached me.  He reached out his hands and asked me if I came with anyone.  I guess it was obvious I didn't.  "No, I came alone" I answered trying hard not to display a face that showed the joyless reason why I ended up alone that Wednesday.  "Then can I keep you?" he abruptly responded.  He is a funny man, Costas.  He was strong and was full of energy.

After a half an hour of dancing to live music and talking, I no longer felt alone.  I learned that he was an established architect here in NYC and his wife of many many years had just recently passed away.  I'm sure he felt loneliness also but at that moment he and I did not.  He even said I made him happy.

Not often does one randomly get to talk and dance with a person who's contributed to history.  Not often does one get to hear another say you make them happy.  Not often is one really alone.  Because somewhere out there you are thinking about someone and someone else is really thinking about you too.

And as The Bonsai Tree says...Often times we underestimate our own value and self worth.  People often have a way of touching many other lives in different ways.  I add...as long as you have touched other peoples hearts, as you have mine, you are not alone.