There are five stories in my building and each floor has five apartments so I figured, it won’t take me too long to knock on someone’s door and say hello, right? I started on the 5th floor and worked my way down. As I approached the first “knock,” I could feel my heart racing and then my palms started to get sweaty and I literally thought, what the hell am I going to say? How can I do this and not sound like a crazy person? Then, I thought, shut-up, stay in the moment, keep an open heart and just DO IT! Knock, knock… Entire top floor, no one answered. Um, ok, maybe nobody’s home yet (it’s after 7:30p). Forth floor… I can hear people talking in their apartments and yet when I knock, no one answered their door. Now I’m feeling rejected. Maybe this is a dumb idea. I mean, would I answer the door if I wasn’t expecting someone? Third floor… Still nervous, but hopeful. Knock, knock, my first door OPENS… “hi…” “HI!” I say, with a big smile as I see a girl in her mid-twenties answer…I just wanted to introduce myself, I’m Charlene (I hold out my hand), “I’m Erica (she shakes my hand and smiles). Did you just move in? She asks. “Um, no but I just wanted to say hello to everyone in the building, you know, so I can know people by name and feel more connected.” “Oh, that’s nice, she says…I don’t know anyone in this building. “Well, now you know me!” I say, confidently. Phew… Alright, two more floors to go… I CAN do this. Second floor, no one answers, again! Ugh, last floor… I hear kids and a TV on…I knock and the door opens. “Hi there” I say, “I’ve seen you and your kids in the building and just wanted to introduce myself…I’m Charlene.” “Please come in” she says, warmly. (I almost tear up… I wasn’t expecting that) “Oh, that’s ok, I don’t want to interrupt your dinner. But thank you.” She smiles with her two little sons by her side and just like a Mom, says the most perfect line… “If you ever need anything, please, just ask,” Wow. That one genuine, heartfelt response made it all worth it.