There Are Always Some Connections

How a conversation with a stranger on a train reminded me of the invisible threads between us.

I was reading my book during a stopover in Zug when I noticed passengers streaming from the train across the platform toward ours, many packed with bags and suitcases. Soon our train was almost overcrowded. I was surprised—it was Sunday morning, and I’d expected a quiet ride home after visiting my mum. As more people boarded, I cleared the seat next to me for an elderly woman. She accepted with a warm smile.

We started chatting—and didn’t stop until we reached Zurich Main Station. She explained that fewer trains were running and that work along the rails had caused the delays and detours. She had such good humour, making gentle remarks about the storm and nasty weather that made me smile. I found myself enjoying this unexpected bubble of conversation and quietly slipped the book I’d been holding back into my bag.

Soon, our conversation shifted to where we were headed. She was on her way to her son’s for Sunday lunch. Her eyes sparkled as she showed me photos of him on holiday in the far north of wintry Lapland, enjoying a dog sledding adventure. She smiled proudly when she mentioned it was minus forty-five degrees (though I sensed she found it a bit crazy too). Then she shared her story and asked about mine.

When I mentioned that I’d lived in Geneva too, she looked at me with a smile and said, “There are always some connections.” And indeed, there were more: a shared love of the sea, long walks in nature, and healthy vegetarian food.

Strangers we were—yet for those thirty minutes in a crowded carriage, our stories connected. When our paths finally parted, my day felt a little brighter, a little more connected.

She was right: there are always some connections, invisible threads, waiting to be discovered. What a blessing, in a world full of differences, tensions, and either-or thinking.

When was the last time you discovered a connection with a stranger?

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is nothing at all.

We invite you to a pause.
How does that sound? Could you do with a break?

On December 11, at 13h CET, join us for a 30-minute pause — a small exploration into the kinds of stillness you could welcome more often. What happens when we give ourselves permission to breathe? There’s something beautiful waiting in those pauses.

This marks the beginning of Rebel with a Pause, a new project Ewen Le Borgne and I are quietly developing — an invitation to discover how moments of stillness can help heal work culture and open new possibilities.

If this whispers to you, we’d love to connect.

The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

This winter, join Street Wisdom in Alkmaar — cozy, inspiring, and full of surprises. Come rain, sun, or storm, we’ll explore the streets or find inspiration inside with a warm cup of tea. Find the dates and sign up here.
Sign up now to join!
Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
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Reach out, I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.