You always have tomorrow.

I don't think life is meant to be lived on a strict schedule like I imagine the U.S. president has. And yet sometimes I fall into that trap, of routine, and planning. I don't know why, it makes my life more organized and predictable. it helps me to prepare and I like being prepared. But sometimes my life is like a straight path and on this path grows the same kind of flower and the same kind of tree, alternating in a patter. And the actual floor of the trail is always wood chips with a section of flat rocks every once in a while. I have a map, there are very few turns or hills or curves. It's always light out and when it rains, my umbrella is already up. I don't get lost, wet, hot or cold. I don't stop to smell the flowers, take a nap in the trees. I may pause quickly to catch a snapshot of a pretty tree, but it isn't a meaningful picture, it's simply a pretty picture. Not artistic or expressive, the picture doesn't say anything - it's just a quick snapshot of life as I pass by it, sometimes it's even blurred because I was moving, ready to see the next thing while I pushed the button. I usually don't even look at the picture again very often - except maybe to show people where I've been and what I saw, not experienced, but saw. To experience a tree would be to climb it, or build a tree house in it. Maybe use it's leaves and branches to build a tent or sit underneath and read awhile. Experiencing it is laying underneath and looking up, maybe with a friend while you share your stories of life, both happy and sad.

Life isn't meant to be passed by, every minute balks at being planned out. Take and enjoy detours, explore, stop at lemonade stands, go and people watch. Take a walk in a park, watch a sunset. Browse a garage sale, pick up a chocolate milkshake. Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Leave evenings unplanned and don't allow a to do list to take over. Enjoy the errands and chores of life. Listen to music while you do dishes, read a book while waiting for laundry. Browse in a grocery story, concocting new recipes. Ask the bank teller sincerely how she's doing. Smile at people. Be the first there and the last to leave. Offer people a ride. Stay and chat after the bill has been paid. Wait an extra 3 seconds after an awkward silence instead of always ending the conversation. Send someone a silly card or note. Buy fresh flowers - always. :) And if you get to the end of the day and there's still lots to do - you always have tomorrow.