Serendipity is one of my favorite words.
serendipity
noun [ U ]
formal
the fact of finding interesting or valuable things by chance
Our lives are filled with these serendipitous moments, but so often we’re too afraid or too distracted to truly embrace them. These experiences, if we allow ourselves to immerse in them, can become memorable and even life-changing.
As I write this, I’m watching When Harry Met Sally. In the iconic Katz’s Deli scene, Sally loudly fakes an orgasm while sitting at the table with Harry. The reactions of others in the restaurant range from feigned ignorance to sheer amusement—those who paid attention likely walked away with a story they’d tell for years.
While fictional, moments like this can absolutely happen in real life. Let me share two personal stories that highlight the magic of serendipity.
A Christmas Elevator Surprise
A few years ago, some friends and I went to see the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show. After the show, we needed to take the large freight elevator back to the ground floor. There were about 30 of us crammed in—most were complete strangers.
As the elevator descended, I had a spontaneous idea. I suggested that when the doors opened, we all shout “Merry Christmas!” to the people waiting outside. To my surprise, every single person agreed. When the doors opened, our collective cheer filled the space. The smiles on the faces of those waiting, as well as the grins of everyone in the elevator, were absolutely priceless.
That brief moment brought joy to every single person involved—a shared serendipitous experience that none of us planned but all of us cherished.
A Connection in Rittenhouse Square
Another time, I was sitting in Rittenhouse Square Park when a homeless man approached, selling One Step Away, a newspaper written by and about Philadelphia’s homeless community. I noticed that most people ignored him, brushing him off as if he weren’t even there.
(A note: One Step Away is a small publication designed to help homeless individuals earn money. Vendors purchase the papers for $0.20 each and sell them for $1.00, keeping $0.80 per paper sold. Each vendor is vetted and provided with an ID and a bright yellow vest.)
I bought a paper from him, giving him $5 and telling him to keep the change so he could sell the rest for additional profit. Then I invited him to sit and talk. He was thrilled, and as we chatted, he shared his story with me. He spoke about discovering he had a daughter and his determination to get back on his feet to be a father she could be proud of.
As he opened up, tears welled in his eyes. He thanked me for treating him like a human being and not ignoring him like so many others had. Before he left, he asked if he could have a hug. Of course, I obliged, encouraging him to stay on the right path no matter how hard it got. I told him I believed I was meant to be there that day, just for him.
Moments like these happen more often than we realize. They’re everywhere—waiting for us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace them.
I often wonder: if people allowed themselves to experience more of these moments, could it soften their hearts? Would they be less angry or more open to connection?
Serendipity is the magic of life’s unscripted, beautiful surprises. Open yourself to it, and who knows what unforgettable moments might find you.
