Drive

I have just returned home after spending a few days housesitting for a friend who lives in the next small town over. I didn't mind. So my drive to work was ten minutes longer. But it was from another direction, and the views were worth it.

I love driving alongside the beach and in the wild spaces just outside the city. I delight in the sight of the sparkling sea, the gentle surf washing up on the tan sands; the sky light blue, white fluffy clouds gliding overhead. And in the cool mornings, I roll down the windows and let the breeze blow in, caressing my face, making me smile as I hear the waves break hypnotically on the shore.

The scenery is spectacular. So much wildlife--birds of many sizes and colors singing, flying, and perched in many branches; foxes and coyotes darting to and fro in the shadows, a few bold ones sit and pose regally in the sun; deer grazing, jumping, or just standing still. And so many colors and vibrant blossoms and lush trees. Resplendent wildflowers dot and color the landscape, and forests of trees add shade and shelter and nurture life in the woods.

That wonderful and charming drive puts me in a relaxed, serene state of mind. And that means I'm quieter, more contemplative, and introspective at work. It also means that I move at a slower, less urgent pace. It means that I get out later but I'm okay with that. It is a totally different frame of mind, like I'm a different person.

With my usual route, I leave early to drive through three traffic lights and a stop sign on the busy roads. The city is alive with people walking, on their phones talking, or in the streets and sidewalks working, selling, or waiting, pacing impatiently, wanting to get to the other side or to wherever they need to be. Thank goodness school is out, so I don't have to factor slowing down to a crawl near the middle school down the street.

There are road crews digging, laying pipes, and repairing potholes that seem to appear every time it rains. Construction is thriving as new buildings are being built over previously empty and abandoned lots. Great for redevelopment and eliminating urban blight. Sad, because I miss the wildflowers and grove of trees that for years, bloomed and thrived in the empty lot next to my place. Now, my small piece of wild nature is being paved over and turned into a shopping center.

With my usual route, I arrive at work early. I enjoy the drive, because I listen to pop, dance, upbeat music that I can sing and dance to, putting me in a good mood. I'm excited, fired up, and have high energy the whole day. I'm dynamic, fast, and get things done quickly so I can go home early.

Two different drives, two different perspectives, two different frames of mind. What a difference a drive makes.