In Transit
Here in Singapore I’ve got a couple minutes before I head off to China and onward to JFK. I’ve got so much on my mind as 2011 winds down, and I can’t think of a better time to reflect than while in-transit. Many people dread it, but I always look forward to the time to think. I also love:
Catching up on reading… My favorite hobby shines in-transit. Browse the bookstore for popcorn reads, and dig in to that reading list on the kindle. I already read two books today. Both winners… I recommend them both!
The slow walk. How fast do you walk when you need to cover half a mile in 4 hours? Very slowly. Some people don’t know how to take a walk. For some reason, I’m was born with walking chops.
The intense nostalgia that sets in 5 hours before departure. It’s not just leaving Bali that hurts. My heart drops when I’m about to depart anywhere I’ve been for a week or more. I stare at the bed. I double check everything. I take mental pictures. There’s something unnatural about leaving a place that was once your home.
Placing everything I own on my bed, and packing it precisely. (+ throwing stuff away). Call it a lifestyle blogger cliche– nothing makes me feel better than grilling every item I own. “Why are you still here nail clipper!?” Ok… you can stay… this trip.
Reset and re-consider what you need to be doing to grow your business… if I didn’t get back to your email, it’s because I’m in-transit. Of course I’d stress out about the lag back on the ground, but I’ll write myself a hall pass today. Do I really need to be so on this stuff I was worried about yesterday? Oh yeah… I forgot to put up an auto-responder. I’m sure you’ll forgive me ;)
When I get home, friends will undoubtably commiserate. jeeze… how do you handle 20 hours on a plane!?
Of course I know they are just trying to make conversation, but there is a part of my brain that’s thinking: 30 hours ago I was sweating through my clothes, buying chewing gum in the middle of a slum village in some random, unique, and amazing tropical country. Now I’m standing here– on the other side of the planet!
Not bad for 30 hours.
I’d probably row a boat if I had to.
Anyway, I need to go buy some long pants. Apparently it’s cold in New York.
Talk soon,
Dan
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