Sometimes you find inspiration in the most random places. From the most unexpected people.

 

Yesterday Jen and I left the apartment to make our typical Saturday morning trip to Starbucks. This trip was particularly essential because we spent Friday night pretending like we were in college. Pizza at 2AM may or may not have been involved.

Needless to say, we were exhausted and in desperate need of caffeine. Maybe we were deep in conversation or maybe our brains hadn’t really activated – but we aimlessly started driving down Winchester. I’m well aware that there’s a Starbucks on the corner down the street from my apartment. I just started driving. Gimme a break – it’s hard to play the role of a college student. We turned down Hamilton Ave. and, lucky for us, saw those inviting green umbrellas two blocks down.

We ordered and sat down with our notes app out – ready to make a list of all the things we needed to do to get our life in order. 10 minutes into our conversation, we noticed an old man in a wheelchair head back toward the counter where customers pick up their drinks. The barista thought there was something wrong with his coffee, but he told her, “I just came back here so I can see through the window. It really is a beautiful day outside.” 

We stopped what we were doing. Just to watch this adorable man look out the window. He continued talking and said, “A lot of people pass judgment on the day without stopping to observe how beautiful it is.”  And then he started heading toward the door. Jen and I ran up to him, tears in our eyes, and just thanked him for his words. His perspective. His wisdom.

It was just what I needed. A reminder to be more mindful. More in-the-moment. More appreciative. More grateful.