Why Small Moments Feel Bigger Than They Should

Does anyone else have that irrational fear that you might run into someone you know while doing your daily errands?

Dun dun dun.

Lately, I’ve noticed that every time I go out in public, I get a little anxious.

It’s funny—because as I’ve gotten older, the fear has actually grown. I used to be carefree, open to random conversations. Now? I feel hesitant. Less confident.

Maybe it’s because I live in a small town, where running into someone you know feels like a 50/50 chance.

Or maybe it’s deeper than that.

Maybe it’s the risk of old memories resurfacing. Maybe it’s insecurity about how I look. Maybe it’s this weird shift toward hiding behind our phones instead of engaging with people.

Whatever the reason…

It all comes down to a lack of courage.

And yeah—it’s also a little self-absorbed.

So how do we stop being fearful and get out of our own heads long enough to just go buy groceries like normal people?

Here are 6 mind hacks that can help:

Hack #1: Question your fear

F.E.A.R can mean two things:

• False Evidence Appearing Real

• Forget Everything And Run
  

Ask yourself: Is this fear actually real? Where is it coming from?

Then move your body.

Start walking. Keep going. Heck—run to the post office if you have to.

Action interrupts fear.

Hack #2: Say hello first

If you see someone you recognize—beat them to it.

Say hi first.

Turn it into a game.

Chances are, they feel awkward too. And nothing kills awkwardness faster than someone breaking the ice.

They might act like they didn’t see you…

But let’s be honest—that’s probably not true.

Taking initiative builds confidence. Every time.

Hack #3: Think about “tonight you”

Before you go out, ask yourself:

When I go to sleep tonight, what do I NOT want to regret?

Because here’s the reality:

In the moment, it feels easier to look down at your phone and avoid someone.

But later?

That’s when your brain starts replaying it:

“Why didn’t I just smile?”“Why did I act so weird?”

Now sure—awkward conversations can also feel cringey.

But there’s a difference:

One builds confidence. The other slowly destroys it.

You choose.

Hack #4: Remember—no one is thinking about you that much

Everyone is living in their own world.

They have their own worries, insecurities, and problems—and to them, those feel way bigger than whether or not you said “hi” for 3 seconds.

In fact, your small interaction might actually help them.

A simple smile or “how’s it going?” could snap them out of their own stress, even if just for a moment.

I know it does for me.

Hack #5: Put the phone away

Your phone is a safety blanket.

And most of the time—it’s not helping.

If you can, leave it in your car or at home when running quick errands.

Yes, it feels uncomfortable at first.

But that discomfort forces you to be present.

It removes the easy escape route.

And that’s where real confidence starts to build.

Hack #6: Be open to weird moments

Ask yourself:

Do I want something unexpected to happen today?

What if you have an awkward interaction?

What if something strange—or even funny—happens?

What if you learn something new about someone… or about yourself?

Those moments are what make life interesting.

And honestly—they usually make the best stories.

Final Thoughts

The biggest shift is this:

Be open.

To the awkward. To the unexpected. To the possibility that something good might happen.

Don’t let false evidence appearing real hold you back from living your life.

My dad used to say:

“Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.”

And it’s true.

Even the most ordinary day can feel a little more meaningful—with something as simple as a “hello.” * * * "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7