I found myself on the corner of Insanity and Bliss. The first road seemed the most practical and fulfilling for the time being. Pacing around the Broward County bus stop, cursing the world and my unexpected marathon of a day, getting more furious and frustrated with every lap. Uncharacteristic thoughts filled my mind as I watched the Publix staff lock up for the night and drive away in their air-conditioned cars while the perspiration trickled down my back, adding even more moisture to my damp pilot uniform. Wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead I looked to my right and became envious of the homeless people sound asleep on the benches. It wasn't the car or air-condition I wanted, but I would have went to extreme measures for a couple minutes of sleep.
The decision not to take either road was made by my body, which told me to plop down on the sidewalk and rest. A few minutes later I realized Bliss was not a road at all, it's a state of mind which is always right in front of us although we may be blinded by any number of distractions. Sitting on the sidewalk carpeted with a fine layer of dirt and sand, I noticed for the first time a sporadic breeze acting as nature's revolving fan. My eyes were drawn towards the night sky and the outline of palm trees swaying to a tune I was unable to hear, clouds floating on a journey inland, beneath a star filled sky. My spirits were lifted on this peaceful night as I forgot about my present situation.
The groan of a metal beast stirred my peace, as I instantly remembered why I was here. I strained to see the number of the bus approaching with high hopes of finally going home. I quickly jumped off the ground, back to the same corner, only to see the wrong bus approaching. Taking a few steps back down Insanity road, I thought better of it and decided to continue my education with a small creative writing exercise. I walked a few minutes to my usual bus stop where I knew there were benches where I could write comfortably. I sat down on one of the benches, exchanging smiles with a very old woman sitting behind me who seemed to be chewing imaginary bubblegum. All was quiet and I began writing all about my tiresome day.
Approaching 19 hours since I woke up but with a new found happiness I began to write about being delayed and extended 7 hours later than scheduled. Thinking of all the people I met on the bus and what they taught me. The guy who was a millionaire but had no dreams and just wanted to take time off when he makes enough money; J.P. who looked like a crackhead, with strange designs shaved into his head and a huge cross earring to go along with his cross chains kept me entertained while talking about bicycles and karaoke; Krish from Mumbai who sells perfume at the farmers market to support his family he hasn't seen in 18 years back home; Lewis from Costa Rica who just finished high school and wants to travel and figure out what he really wants to do before going to college or the military. It's sad most people in the USA would think this is lazy or irresponsible but I know exactly where he is coming from and hope he greatly benefits from this smart decision one day.
As I was in a groove writing, I was interrupted by the old woman who started to sing behind me. I debated putting on my ipod but decided it would be rude and I I tried to drown her out I realized it was one of the most peaceful, beautiful voices I've ever heard. I had a flashback of being a small child again rocking slowly in my Mothers arms being persuaded to sleep. It was one of those voices you couldn't sell records with it, but in the right moment it was perfect. Bliss had overtaken me just as my bus pulled up and I finally was going home. I arrived at my condo around 0230 with a sigh of relief and excitement for my trip to Honduras. My trip began on the bus early yesterday morning and hope it continues to teach me lessons through hardships and great adventures. Until I get back...
The decision not to take either road was made by my body, which told me to plop down on the sidewalk and rest. A few minutes later I realized Bliss was not a road at all, it's a state of mind which is always right in front of us although we may be blinded by any number of distractions. Sitting on the sidewalk carpeted with a fine layer of dirt and sand, I noticed for the first time a sporadic breeze acting as nature's revolving fan. My eyes were drawn towards the night sky and the outline of palm trees swaying to a tune I was unable to hear, clouds floating on a journey inland, beneath a star filled sky. My spirits were lifted on this peaceful night as I forgot about my present situation.
The groan of a metal beast stirred my peace, as I instantly remembered why I was here. I strained to see the number of the bus approaching with high hopes of finally going home. I quickly jumped off the ground, back to the same corner, only to see the wrong bus approaching. Taking a few steps back down Insanity road, I thought better of it and decided to continue my education with a small creative writing exercise. I walked a few minutes to my usual bus stop where I knew there were benches where I could write comfortably. I sat down on one of the benches, exchanging smiles with a very old woman sitting behind me who seemed to be chewing imaginary bubblegum. All was quiet and I began writing all about my tiresome day.
Approaching 19 hours since I woke up but with a new found happiness I began to write about being delayed and extended 7 hours later than scheduled. Thinking of all the people I met on the bus and what they taught me. The guy who was a millionaire but had no dreams and just wanted to take time off when he makes enough money; J.P. who looked like a crackhead, with strange designs shaved into his head and a huge cross earring to go along with his cross chains kept me entertained while talking about bicycles and karaoke; Krish from Mumbai who sells perfume at the farmers market to support his family he hasn't seen in 18 years back home; Lewis from Costa Rica who just finished high school and wants to travel and figure out what he really wants to do before going to college or the military. It's sad most people in the USA would think this is lazy or irresponsible but I know exactly where he is coming from and hope he greatly benefits from this smart decision one day.
As I was in a groove writing, I was interrupted by the old woman who started to sing behind me. I debated putting on my ipod but decided it would be rude and I I tried to drown her out I realized it was one of the most peaceful, beautiful voices I've ever heard. I had a flashback of being a small child again rocking slowly in my Mothers arms being persuaded to sleep. It was one of those voices you couldn't sell records with it, but in the right moment it was perfect. Bliss had overtaken me just as my bus pulled up and I finally was going home. I arrived at my condo around 0230 with a sigh of relief and excitement for my trip to Honduras. My trip began on the bus early yesterday morning and hope it continues to teach me lessons through hardships and great adventures. Until I get back...