The people I pass by

If you happened to be one of those folks who sees this ball cap-wearing, headphones-rocking character out on the walking path by the river in Fort Frances, here’s some advance notification for you.
I will in all likelihood try and catch your eye. It’s not to make you uncomfortable – actually, it’s the extreme opposite.
I was raised by my parents to be kind to all those I encounter, whether it’s at my place of education, my worksite or just everyday life.
As walking 10 kilometres has now become my everyday life until the end of August, I plan to try and follow Mom and Dad’s lesson.
I am finding it to be an interesting, on-the-move sociological experiment when coming in contact with fellow fitness buffs out walking, running, biking or (as I saw for the first time yesterday) skate-skiing.
By my amateur scientific observations (none of which will be making it into any reputable science journals anytime soon), I have ascertained that people who are populating the same route I am, fall into three distinct categories.
First, there is the “glad to see you” group. This group contains familiar faces who are happy to exchange greetings either while stationary or staying mobile (shout out to all who I’ve been happy to see again after being kept away from you by ye olde coronavirus these past few months).
The second group is the “I see you” group. These are either complete strangers or those people I’ve seen around town and just never got to know their name who are all still willing to share a “good morning” or at least a smile and a nod with me.
The assumption is we are all out there for the same main reason – to get healthier and with that assumption comes a mutual respect.
The third group is the “do I really have to see you” group.
These are the people who I mostly don’t know and some I do who, for whatever reason, decide any kind of good-natured trading of greetings is a little outside of their priority list.
To be fair, some people are laser-focused on their walking or running workout. Others are engaged in ongoing conversations with their training partner and still others are perhaps not naturally inclined extroverts.
But there have been occasions – thankfully, few and far between – where my hearty hellos have been met by a complete lack of acknowledgement or concern.
It saddens me that there are people in society who feel so uneasy in the presence of others that they would willingly shrug off someone else’s glad tidings sent their way.
But the sadness never lasts long because there’s always somebody else coming my way, giving me one more chance to hopefully make someone’s day a little bit better with just the simplest of gestures.
Share the kindness. It’s never a bad idea.
Steps taken this week: 101,345
Steps taken overall: 263,091
Money raised this week: $160
Money raised overall for UNFC Food Bank: $1,200
Please go to my Facebook page entitled “Joey Payeur” and look for the Step Forward fundraiser post to donate. Thanks for all your support.