Be. Here. Now.
The Grand Canyon State | 2025 © Alicia Kae Miller
Running late on Thanksgiving morning, my heart was racing as I stepped onto an elevator full of laughter and glee at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
After exchanging pleasantries, a voice behind me complimented the opal brooch affixed to my jean jacket. As my eyes welled up and a lump formed in my throat, I turned around, thanked her, and shared how a beloved family member had made the one-of-a-kind piece.
As we exited the lift, we walked together toward the terminal, bonding over our darling fur babies and how the theory that animals lack a sense of time seems implausible, since we generally receive the "where the @?$! have you been?!" cold shoulder vibe when we inevitably return home.
Once in the terminal, I learned that, like me, the entire family was en route to the Grand Canyon State. However, we were not traveling on the same airline.
As we said our goodbyes, the family matriarch surprisingly reached out and hugged me, and I lovingly returned her embrace. Moments later, as I shuffled through security, I was full of joy. It was then that I realized my heart rate had normalized and anxiety had disappeared.
In this particular circumstance, once off the elevator, I could have easily bolted. Still, I chose to stick around because I was enchanted by our empathetic communication and delighted by my fellow travelers' palpable excitement, which I found uplifting and put a skip in my step.
Have you had a similar experience? The next time that you do, please lean into the moment and share with me what you learned about yourself and others in the process. #empathymatters
Until we meet again, welcome in-the-moment and unexpected connections with one another. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
December 2025