Contentment
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009I wrap my hands around my steaming glass of Pumpkin spice coffee and soak in my surroundings. I hear the occasional whir of the coffee grinder, patrons conversing quietly, and acoustic music with smooth vocals drifting softly through my favorite Rochester cafe- Starry Nites. Scents of espresso and hot cider linger in the air. It’s one of those places where the atmosphere is so rich that people laugh freely, and yet, feel the need to step outside if they receive a phone call so as not to disturb the sense of simply being. But it’s also one of those crazy Rochester nights that’s 60 degrees in November and no one minds getting some fresh air out on University Ave. It’s such a rarity in Western New York to enjoy warmth this far into the season. My mind wanders to all the complaining I’ve done about my city the last few years and in this moment I realize how much I have truly fallen in love with Rochester. I am on the brink of some truly exciting changes, the biggest of which is my upcoming move to Chicago. My spirit stirs with exhilaration for what is to come…I am seriously like a child when it comes to dreaming about what’s next. But these last few weeks I have made more of an effort to be present, to enjoy what is going on NOW. I’ve been spending time with old friends and connecting with new ones. I’m exploring new places in Rochester and cherishing old favorites. But most importantly, I’m learning that contentment isn’t in a place or in what I’m doing. It’s in embracing life and finding joy when I’m struggling, when I’m celebrating, and when I’m in the midst of the mundane.
I’ve switched to a glass of Malbec. It’s robust yet mellow flavor seems to suit my mood more now. I’ve been bouncing back and forth between editing images for my site and sorting through photos from my most recent adventure today wandering the old Rochester subway. I’m smiling again. There really are no ordinary moments. Enjoy some of mine from today.
