There’s an old saying that urges us to stop and smell the roses. It’s usually offered as “friendly advice” when we’re moving too fast, not paying attention to what’s really important in life.
I finished an early morning spin class and was already thinking about what I needed to do today. Deadlines and an upcoming conference call were running through my head as I started home. The exhilaration I felt after class was already wearing off.
Until I glanced east. The sun was rising over the lake and light was breaking through my windshield. It was beautiful.
I merged into the right lane and exited at the first opportunity. I pulled into a parking spot and just sat there for a while, watching early morning runners and cyclists create a strobe of light as they passed by. After about 15 minutes, I started home again.
Yes, it’s good to smell the roses. But sometimes you also need to pull off Lake Shore Drive to watch the sunrise.