Proof I've come out of my shell

I walked into my favorite Greek restaurant today for a late lunch and drinks.  Before I even got to my table, I was first sidelined by the bartender wanting to know how my recent cruise was and then my waitress greeted me as her "favorite free person."  I had chatted with the bartender in early November the day I stopped in for chocolate cake and wine.  My waitress had been the one to serve my table in September, the night I celebrated with friends one year since moving out of the apartment I had shared with my ex-husband.

I sat down with a smile on my face confident going out to lunch was exactly what I needed to do today.  It felt amazing to be seen and remembered.  But what stood out to me even more was the fact that it represented how I have been putting myself out there over the last year or more.  These two individuals never would have remembered me if I hadn't embraced earlier interactions with them.  The old me wouldn't even have talked to them in the first place (beyond placing my order)!

So how did I lean into the moment?  I shared with my waitress how the experience affected me.  She wrote a lovely message on my receipt that said "Rebecca!  Thank you!  You are a wonderful person, and I can tell you deserve the world.  Merry Christmas Angel!"

And then before I left, I stopped at the bar and chatted casually a few minutes with the bartender.  I'll look for them both next time I stop in.