Now that spring is here in New York City, I’ve started walking to and from work over the Brooklyn Bridge. The three mile trip takes about 25 minutes longer than my normal subway ride, but it’s worth it.
Every morning, on the bridge, I pass an elderly couple walking in the opposite direction. They are easy to spot, because the man looks like a cross between Santa Claus and Indiana Jones, with his big white beard, brown leather hat and biker jacket. They are also easy to spot because they greet everyone with smiles, waves, and words of encouragement.
“Good morning!”
“Have a great run!”
“Enjoy the day!”
By the time they reach me, I can’t wait to return the favor with a big smile and wave of my own. And it’s not just me – their positive energy is infectious, and everyone they pass lights up for a moment, like they’ve just seen an old friend.
When I first saw this couple walking leisurely over the bridge, I was envious. “Wouldn’t it be nice,” I thought, “to have the freedom to do that every morning.” I envisioned my future self in their shoes, retired and filling my days with peaceful strolls, quiet breakfasts and great books.
But after a few days of jealousy, I realized the obvious:
I do have the freedom to do that every morning.
And I do it!
Just because my walk ends with a full day of work, and theirs with an activity of their choosing, doesn’t change the fact that all three of us cross the same bridge, take in the same views, and breathe the same, crisp air.
It’s all about mindset.
If I treat my walk as a commute, then I’m guaranteed to fill it with thoughts of looming deadlines and future plans, headphones in my ears.
But if I treat my walk as its own important part of the day, then I’m more likely to take a page from this couple and look up at the city in all its glory: the Empire State building and Hudson Yards to my right, Statue of Liberty and Governor’s Island to my left.
My own little slice of retirement is sitting right in front of me.
Besides, there is no guarantee that my perfect Brooklyn Bridge stroll will ever materialize. I may not live here in the future, or be able to walk the way I can now. I may not even be alive decades from now.
I can’t afford to waste imperfect moments now for perfect ones later.
And yet I do this all the time.
I dream of sipping lattes outside European cafes, but hardly ever do so at my local coffee shop.
I wish for hours of uninterrupted time to write, but don’t take advantage of the miscellaneous free time available to me.
As Ryan Holiday says:
“When you’re out of excuses for being busy, when you can’t defer or plan for some idealized future, you’re forced to just make do with what’s in front of you. The distinction between “quality” time and “garbage” time falls away and you’re left with what simply is.”
Common wisdom tells us to “live in the moment,” but I think a more effective reminder would be to “accept the moment.” Don’t wait around for something better to come.
We all should seize the imperfect moments staring us right in the face.
– Emmett
What I’m Reading:
15 Questions That Will Make You A Better Parent (and Person) – Ryan Holiday
“Who you are forms who they will be. So be who you want them to be. Do what you want them to do. It’s hard, but it’s the only way.”
Nine Tips for Tackling Sentimental Clutter This Spring – Gretchen Rubin
“Having fewer mementos allows us to evoke more memories, because each item has been carefully chosen. When we’re less overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items, and we keep only the ones with deep meaning, we’re better able to appreciate each one.”
They’re the Happiest People in America. We Called Them to Ask Why – Wall Street Journal
“America’s happiest people have a few traits in common: They value community and close personal relationships. They tend to believe in God. And they generally are older, often in their retirement years.”