“You seem like a very peaceful person.” This is how my driver described me on our way to the airport in New York on a recent rainy Sunday morning. As we drove along, I thought about what a perfect morning it would have been to stay cozy under the covers in bed, eventually get up, have a leisurely breakfast accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee and lots of reading material. I wondered how many New Yorkers were going to do just that. I was also just as happy to be headed out-of-town as I was going to see my family shortly.
My driver seemed anxious from the moment me and my suitcase entered his car. He kindly asked if I would mind taking Queens Boulevard (always makes me think of Entourage) rather than going through the tunnel. He was slightly nervous about the possibility of any accidents causing delays since the roads were slick and New Yorkers tend to be impatient drivers. He warned me that I may find the red lights to be longer than usual along this route. I simply replied “it’s fine with me” to all of his concerns. I wasn’t in a rush as I always leave myself ample time to get to the airport. I don’t like to run around like a mad woman trying to catch my flight at the last-minute. I actually enjoy arriving early, being able to eat a meal, and read some magazines. My kind driver informed me that his clients aren’t always patient when unexpected things like traffic occur. It all made sense now. I can see why he treads lightly upon each new customer entering his car. He was such a nice fellow. I began to feel sorry for him as I pictured some of the behavior he must deal with on a regular basis. So, about thirty minutes into our ride, this is what brought upon his friendly observation of me. Maybe at that point he was able to let out a sigh and breathe somewhat since he knew I wasn’t feeling stressed. I was perfectly content daydreaming out my window.
It didn’t hit me until hours later when I was sitting on the plane and realized it was true. I am at peace with myself and my life. I only surround myself with people, places, and things that benefit my well-being and happiness. I’ve shed any negativity and anything or anyone not serving a meaningful purpose. There have been instances where this wasn’t always the case. You know this already if you read my blog at least one or twice last year. Like everyone, I went through some rocky times previously. I feel strange using the term “rocky” compared to what some people go through. I’m especially thinking about the devastating tornado that touched down and affected so many lives just this week. There is obviously no comparison.
In hindsight, it’s hard to believe some of the ridiculousness I brought upon myself. It was all such unnecessary stress that I certainly could have avoided. I was rather open about some of these times in the past on my blog. Writing is like a therapy of sorts, so it helped me to express my feelings. Now, I prefer to be a little more guarded about certain private life details. Every choice we live through and make in life is a learning experience. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the past. Even through any hard times, there were always plenty of good times peppered in. I’m glad to have had these experiences so I may be able to shed light onto others at some point.
Along with my feeling at peace and simply enjoying my life and all of the opportunities it has to offer, I feel stronger than ever as a person. I’ve finally come into my own later than I originally would have imagined, but I’ve realized we are all on our own timeline and I don’t fall into that comparison trap any longer. I feel confident in my decisions, I face my fears, and I keep moving forward. I’ve also learned to enjoy the day-to-day moments that can be so special if you let them. It’s freeing to let everything go which doesn’t serve who we are as individuals and just be ourselves. You can’t lose when you are being true to yourself.
I’m currently headed to continue celebrating my Dad’s birthday festivities on schedule for the day. Before I go, I wanted to share a quote I came across recently. It’s a keeper:
