The Window

You know, sometimes I just spend the whole day running around: school, practice, work, homework. I start to get into this tunnel of life where I'm just on "auto-pilot". (Don't we all?)

Maybe I have a good lesson and I'm in a good mood , but two hours later when I'm back in my room trying to write an essay about society and about how horribly destructive human beings can be, my smile begins to fade.

I eat a piece of Russian konfetto chocolate. My tummy smiles.

I remember that I need to write the first theme group of my sonata movement by next week. My shoulders sink a little bit.

Then I start to feel a little warm in the room and I go to open the window...

Ahhh! Oh my gosh! The view!

Tall buildings, lights as far as you can see. That special area of lit clouds right over Times square. The glowing fountain in Lincoln center plaza. Little boats gliding up the river. Silent cars going, stopping, turning on every street as far as my eyes are able to discern.

It's magical. It really is like a postcard. But it's even better- it's real! I'm really here.

And that's when I take a moment to step back, a moment to realize how blessed I am to be here, to recognize the opportunity I have been given and to recommit myself to this path that has so beautifully been laid out for me.

Oh yes, in a few days, I'll forget again what is just outside my window. But hopefully it will get a little too warm again, and I'll have the chance to open up that window and take a fresh breath.

So, if you're feeling stuck, just open up a window. Find that little piece of beauty that will keep you going a few more hours, a few more days, a few more years. I guarantee it's worth it.

Love,

Violamad