Embracing the Freedom of an Early Start
My alarm was set for 7:00am, but there I lay at 6:30, wide awake at the hotel. Because my flight home from DC wasn’t scheduled until 12:30pm, I knew I could have a leisurely morning ahead.
But I got up anyway, took a shower, and finished packing my suitcase.
I knew the breakfast buffet at the hotel would stay open until 9:30am. I had planned on heading down around 8:00. But since I was completely ready by 7:15, I decided to grab my suitcase and go downstairs early.
I meandered around the buffet, choosing a few items for breakfast, and settled down for a pleasant conversation with other conference volunteers also preparing to return home. After the leisurely breakfast, we wished each other well and went our separate ways.
My original plan was to take the 9:00 shuttle to the airport, leaving me plenty of time before my flight. But since I had checked out of my room and finished breakfast by 7:45, I wandered outside as they were loading the 8:00 shuttle. Why not get on board now?
Arriving at the airport with time to spare, I faced the security line, which was long, but not terrible. I emptied my water bottle and joined the queue. It was a sunny day, and all flights were on time.
By 10:00, I was seated in my terminal. Now what? Freedom! Because I had plenty of time, I could work my daily NYT Sudokus. I could FaceTime my family back home. I could grab an early lunch.
What I didn’t have to do was rush. I didn’t have to stress. I didn’t have to constantly watch the clock.
Some people think doing things early is wasting time. I find it’s quite the opposite. For me, having a margin feels like a luxurious gift of extra time. It relaxes me and lets me approach the day with calm and contentment instead of feeling anxious from last-minute rushing.
Unfortunately life doesn’t always allow us the option of not hurrying like I had that day. Some days are so full that we must wake up running to cram everything in.
But when we do have the choice, I rediscover again and again that sometimes the best way to stay present is to revel in the freedom of an early start.
Does having to rush make you anxious too? Share in the comments.
I cannot stand having to rush, Lisa. An early start is key to smooth sailing for me, too.
Blessings!
This resonates with me, Lisa.
Last month my job required me to be an hour early 3 days a week to open up the building for a special program. Instead of sleeping in and going in later the other two days a week, I just went in early every day all month long. When the program ended, I didn’t want to go back to the old way of doing things. I’m going to just continue coming in because coming in early calms me and sets the tone for the rest of the day. Who knew?
There’s that word, CHOICE!!! 🙂 Actually I have purposely always arrived at the airport early…. up to six hours or more? Why? Because I loved that no one knew me, and I could read, browse, just be alone. But once, I actually almost missed a flight! Sooo dumb, but I really got caught up in the book I was reading. So being early has its dangers as well! 🙂 Wishing you a Happy 4th of July, while freedom may still ring.
xo
Lynn
My heart was singing as I read because , given the choice, this is how I prefer to do life.
I need this in my life! I’m always rushing around and running late! It’s very stressful!
I can SO relate to this post, Lisa. I’d much rather be somewhere early and wait there being calm and serene than having to rush and getting there just in the nick of time. I never consider it to be a waste of time.
Funny that you posted this. Funny because I discovered this by accident. Yes, let me explain. My work schedule had been 7-3.30. I work from home. My alarm set for 6am. I had plenty of time before work began. Well my schedule changed to 9-5.30. I still kept my alarm for 6. Now when I get up, I eat breakfast, walk on treadmill and then what ever I want before work. It is nice not being rushed. The freedom or luxury of that ‘extra’ time.
Take care and best wishes.