‘Hi .. Conversation Changes Lives’ Book Blog
“Hi” is a wealth of information that will encourage you, entice you, to take the first tentative steps to engage with others, to develop a sense of worth in one’s involvement with others, and with the community we share.
I highly recommend this treasure trove of practices, delightful story ‘snippets’, and compelling rationale for conversation. — Ken Annandale, Educator
We welcome your comments, and experiences as you let conversation change your life after reading the book. View a TV feature about Hi or view our entertaining book launch
What has helped you explore new territory?
The biggest contributor to exploring new territory would have to be my friends and family. There are often things I do not feel comfortable doing, or wouldn’t think of in the first place, unless my friends and family were there to help me. Not only do they offer advice, but support as well, and knowing that people will still care about you no matter the outcome of important decisions you make, allows one to not stress as much while pursuing those goal. Infact, a good friend of mine swayed me into moving away from my small home town, and come to university here in Victoria. He’s graduated now, but he showed me the ropes around the university and set me up with a number of friends and valuable connections on the island.
Yesterday while downtown I ran into a couple of Mormons from Utah. We had a nice little chat about their religion and compared their hometown in Utah to the city of Victoria. Long story short, they both loved it here, and were excited to spend the next two years in the lovely city teaching people the ways of their religion.
While reading Hi! I remembered this encounter with a ‘check out girl’ at Thrifty Foods https://youtu.be/6juiG1TcPsU
Today I asked a guy at the bus stop what had gone well for him. He told me that today was his day off work, and he was going to buy a nice new pair of shoes. He then proceeded to tell me a series of dirty jokes that kept the conversation flowing until the bus came.
Today at school I had a chat with a guy who was running in the universities upcoming UVSS elections. He told me about his platform, which included ideas such as increasing education on the divestment of fossil fuels. It then developed into a conversation about a community we envisioned for our future, one that was less reliant on automobiles and more friendly towards cyclists and pedestrians. Towards the end of the conversation I asked him if he’s had any positive experiences with strangers lately. He replied by saying every conversation he’s had recently has been a positive experience. For the past week he has been talking to strangers, expressing thought provoking ideas he and others have to develop the university, all while meeting some friendly and creative people in the process.
So much to learn by engaging with active folks on campus..
I asked my cab driver if he has had any positive experiences with strangers during his time driving cabs. He said the first one that came to mind was an Australian athlete that he once drove gave him a gorgeous British Commonwealth Games pin in which the athlete participated in. I brought up how pins carry a little extra meaning and value since they have stories and narrative behind them (Material I had learned from the Hi! Book). He agreed and concluded by saying it was a very courteous tip that has stood out amongst others.
Strangers are his business. Good person to ask!