The cold October air fills your nose and lungs and goose bumps form from head to toe.
Your buzzing cell phone will not quiet down due to the seven different alarms set to ensure a prompt wake up that Monday morning. Groggy and tired, the bed is just too comfortable to leave. Too warm and too cozy. Time ticks on. Slowly you stand on your aching legs; yesterday’s workout utilized every muscle imaginable. The hardwood floor seems chillier than usual on your bare feet. Quietly, to prevent waking family members, you make your way to the kitchen. Two slices of toast and a steamy cup of coffee fill your belly, finally breaking the fast since last night’s dinner. Caffeine in and crankiness subsiding. Exiting the shower brings about a new round of goose bumps which again leaves you longing for a weekend sleep in. An overstuffed wardrobe but nothing to wear; might as well wear jeans and a t shirt. Suppose you’ll bring a sweater and scarf in the chance the wind is too chilly or the AC is too high. White socks or black? Sneakers or boots? You chose whatever is near because exerting extra energy is not on the agenda this Monday morning. The thought of the weekend already crosses your mind before even leaving the house. The 78 steps to your car chills your bones and frustration sets in when the car takes forever to heat up. The heat turned to high and the news radio on; traffic ahead is frustrating and agonizing.
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Another day on this Earth, another day to make a difference.The red October leaves reflect the sunrise into your window as a beautiful golden color. The cold air fills your nose and goose bumps form but you are grateful for the thick blankets and warm pajamas covering your body. Do not take for granted the sense of hearing that is all too prominent when your buzzing alarm clock will not quiet down that Monday morning. Groggy and tired, the bed is just too comfortable to leave. How fortunate to have a bed and to know the feeling of such comfort. Too warm and too cozy. Time ticks on. Each breath is a gift. Slowly you stand on your aching legs; appreciate the youthfulness of those legs and the activity they can sustain. Fluffy slippers warm each toe up one by one. Smile at your loving and calm family members, for they love you unconditionally. The kitchen is filled with food; two slices of toast and a steaming cup of coffee is more than some people have in a day. Caffeine in and crankiness subsiding. A refreshing shower is a simple pleasure that brightens your mood. Choosing your outfit that morning is hard. But, “clothing is a form of self-expression,”[1] and living in a country with the freedom of expression is a privilege that most could only dream about. An extra sweater is lovely and buildings with functioning heat and AC is a pleasure. The thought of the weekend already crosses your mind before even leaving the house but so does the donut you’ll eat later and the movie night planned for Wednesday; it’s the little things to look forward to in life. The short, cold steps to your car remind you of your fortune to be able to own such a commodity. The heat turned to high and the news radio on; an hour and only 5 miles later the source of the traffic is revealed. A car crash and a life taken. They woke up this morning but will not wake up for another one. No matter the day, or the work load, or the cold air, or anything seemingly unfortunate, appreciate every breath you take and every new morning you see for no one knows when their clock will run out of time.
[1] Marc Jacobs