The sky was fully blue when I saw the big dog watching the sky. She’ll often notice a low-flying hawk or a high-flying jet followed by its contrail.
This morning was different. A couple of silvery objects wandered back and forth overhead. Drones. I don’t think anyone was spying. Probably from a realtor or contractor.
But you never know. It made me wonder, “Who’s watching?”
The short answer is, “Everybody.”
Cameras watch every intersection. They watch you entering, shopping, and checking out in stores. Someone’s watching at ATMs and banks. TSA grabs a picture at security. Potential buyers “watch” your online listings, hoping you’ll drop the price.
That’s just the tech. What about the people?
After a few minutes at a car dealership, a salesperson who saw you will engage in conversation. A voice from somewhere says, “Welcome in,” as you enter a store. At restaurants, someone is watching to see if your water needs refilling. The dog is watching as you prepare food in the kitchen, knowing that something will fall to the floor. Friendly greeters watch for you to walk up the church entrance. A patrol officer is watching from a car just out of sight along the highway. Neighbors keep an eye on my house when I’m out of town.
And then there’s the children. Kids are always watching. What are you doing? What are you eating? Where are you going? Why are you doing that? Inches from your napping face they ask, “Are you asleep?”
Someone is always watching. Is it possible to disappear? Not completely. There are too many eyes out there.
Nevertheless, some feel invisible. No one notices them. No one would miss them. No one sees them. Which translates, “No one cares.”
Be the one who notices. Smile. Say, “Hello.” Ask a question. Validate someone’s presence. It only takes a second to make them feel like somebody.
Waite for it... 