Journey into Day

It's a cold, wet October day. Streetlights illuminate the the damp city streets as I wind my way through the other commuters on their way to their jobs. People pass me on either side. I don't care.

I walk slower these days. Not through any infirmary, but because I'm not in so much of a rush to get to where I need to go. I used to have to be the first person off the train so I could begin my sprint to wherever I was going. I've always had a long stride combined with a quick pace. These days my pace is slower and my stride is lessened. More and more I've decided to actually slow down and take time to notice the world around me. What's that old saying? It's not the destination, but the journey that counts. By focusing on the journey I have begun to appreciate all the minor colors that make up the rich tapestry of my life. What I once viewed subconsciously is now at the foreground of my perceptions.

After leaving Brueggers I head into my office. I am the first person to arrive. I sit down at my desk and notice the gray sky that fills the wall of windows on my right. Just the sight of it sends a chill through me. I walk over to the window and watch the wind play havoc on the flags mounted at the Langham Hotel/ The light from beneath the awning is warm and inviting, perhaps because I know that the heat lamp used by the doormen is powerful, indeed. Either way, that light is an oasis of warmth on a cold, damp day.

Today would be a great day for staying home and resting on the couch with a good book and a warm mug of tea. It's also a good day to sit and watch a long movie with a big bowl of popcorn. Otherwise, I could sit and do some writing while the soft strains of Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach play in the background.

I sigh wistfully as I log into my work computer, instead.

I'll use this time to answer some e-mails and, more importantly, get a head start on this weeks homework.

It's just another day at the office.

But the journey getting here was worth it.