Reflections on the Water

Chicago Day 1 (June 19, 2013): Thoughts blow through my mind like the wind in this city. A city I’ve always dreamed of visiting but didn’t really set my sights on it becoming a reality until this conference for work came up. I can’t believe I’ve never been here! I woke up at 6:00am to the glimmers of sunshine that played peek-a-boo on my face. Even though I only slept four hours and it is 4:00am California time, I can’t sleep. I roll around in bed texting a friend of mine who by some miracle is also awake. I roll out of bed at 6:45am, eager to put on my running shoes and hit the pavement in this new and exciting city. As I drove in last night my cab driver explained how to get to the lake, which is only steps from my hotel.

I lace up my shoes, turn on my music, and start the GPS as I head down the elevator. Eleven floors. Once outside, I start jogging the way my cabbie told me. Up the street, make a right at the light. I turn the corner and I see the water. It’s cool to see the sun rising over the lake from the east. I’m so used to seeing the sunset over the water, so it’s a pleasant and welcomed change. I run along the path with the water to my left and a gorgeous city skyline to my right. A girl could get used to this. A little over a mile into the run and the path veers southwest, away from the lake. I decide to turn around and keep the water/skyline view in my horizon. I run this loop twice not wanting it to end, but 4 miles is enough for the morning. If I didn’t have a conference and if I wasn’t starving (per usual) I would have kept running. Perhaps I’ll revisit the lake again tonight. Maybe I’ll go just to sit and relax. Weird to think about not having a sunset to watch go down over the water.

For now I sit at a table for two by the window and eat my roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella omelet alone. I’m staring at the empty seat across from me, not wishing anybody in particular to appear. I like this time to myself. I feel independent and relaxed. I can sit and think about everything or nothing, whatever I choose. I can connect with the world via my iPhone or I can disconnect, and engage myself with the people walking by my little nook. I’m immersed in them and in my notebook right now. All I can really focus on is how much I am at peace right now. I can only focus on how very fortunate I am to be blessed beyond words with opportunity, both professionally and personally. Life has provided so many gifts and blessings and I am truly humbled by God’s amazing grace. It is because of Him that life is so beautiful and I am so very, very grateful for that.

A single sip of my latte sits still at the bottom of my mug begging for my attention. As I go on with my day, I wish you the best in yours. Count your blessings, not your shortcomings, and hold on to them. I cannot wait for my mom to get here tomorrow so we can share this experience together. Because let’s face it- as much as I enjoy the peace of being with myself at the moment, life and all of its’ experiences are meant to be shared between people you care about.

Cheers!

xo,

T