Every time I ride the T (the train/bus/subway line in Boston), I have my book and I read. I am typically self-contained and don’t pay attention to anything going on around me (except to make sure no one is touching me or coming near me to harm me).
There’s a reason I don’t have headphones in on the T.
Anyway, I’ve been meeting a friend throughout Boston over the past few weeks, and each time has been on a non-class day, which means I haven’t needed my bag. I’ve also had a few doctor’s appointments, and I need to walk there, which means I don’t need my book because I don’t have a long commute.
All of these trips have meant that I’ve been forced to take in my surroundings.
I say “forced” as if looking around at Boston is a hardship. Have you ever seen pictures of Boston? Have you ever visited? The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I might complain about my apartment, but the building itself? Picturesque!
I love walking around Brighton, even at night. I figured moving into a city would be scary and I wouldn’t be able to leave my home at night because it would be unsafe. Now, I’m not saying every part of the city is safe. Because it isn’t. There are places where I’m glad I’ve learned a little self-defense over the years and have noise-makers and protective devices. But right around my home? It’s gorgeous and safe.
Reading is a fun pastime and it’s good for the mind and spirit. But so is taking the time to stop and look. It’s important to observe the world around you.
Earlier this week, I met my friend at a creperie and a bookstore. We had a wonderful time! I had to walk the last quarter mile home. I’ve walked this same path at least a dozen times. I’ve gotten used to the walk. But this time? The sun was setting and the sky lit up.
My phone doesn’t do the view justice. I almost didn’t stop and get a picture. Honestly, the best place to get this picture was to stand in the middle of an intersection and get the shot. Without a (moving) car in sight, I paused and took the picture and, once I figured out what I wanted to write about this week, I decided to use the picture for this week’s blog post.
Life passes by super fast. We can lose sight of the little things.
One warning about pictures. Don’t get so caught up in taking pictures that you forget to stop and appreciate the beauty in the moment. After I took the picture, I raced out of the middle of the road and stood on the sidewalk so I could watch the sky for a few moments and just breathe.
I think we all forget to do that sometimes.
So, the next time you feel like life is running away without you, remember to stop and look. Life is worth living! Live in the moment, not for the moments to come.
Like, comment, share, and subscribe!!! 💙😊
Brittany Stonestreet 