Oh, the places you'll go

Confession: I ♥ public transit.  It’s true.  Actually, if I could walk everywhere, I would.  But, public transit with its stress-free, uncontrollable pace and interesting life and convenience is a great second choice.  Also, you can learn a lot from public transit, even bad public transit. 
Life Lessons from MARTA:

        This train is bound for… (ding, ding). There is an automated message that tells you the end destination of the train you just jumped on to.  This message is meant to assure you that you are going in the right direction.  However, most of the time, the driver shuts the door and cuts the message short at the last moment.  You’re pretty sure you are headed in the right direction, but there’s always that thought, “Is this the right way?”

Trust that you made the right move.  And if you didn’t, well, there’s always another stop and another train.

         Unclear, probably critical, special notices. There are announcements that come over the intercom in MARTA stations.  I couldn’t even begin to tell you what they say.  Single tracking starting at what station?  All patrons at what station should plan to wait another 2 hours?  What?  Wait, what????

Sometimes there are probably signs that things are not going to go as planned.  It’s ok if you don’t always understand. No one else does either.

          Oh the people you will meet. An astrologist who has a day job at Grady because it’s hard to make a living reading the stars; a couple of old ladies boasting to one another that people never believe them when they say they have grandchildren – because they look that good; the social worker helping a woman get a cleaning job at her office; the couple who just got back from their trip to Italy.

There are so many characters and personalities that you will meet along the way.  Regale it.

        Perspective: on how you spend your time (sleeping, thinking, reading, people watching, listening to music on your headphones even though I can hear every word), on life in general, on where you are going. People busy themselves with all sorts of things.  People are in different places in their lives.  People are going to so many different places.

Recognize the people around you.  Realize the life around you.  

         Patience, patience, patience, patience........ There is always a lot of waiting, especially if you don’t take the time to learn the train schedule.  This is possibly the most important and most difficult lesson to learn.  (This is a work in progress.)

Eventually, things will get going.  Be patient.  A frustrated spirit doesn’t speed the process.

Bring a book and enjoy the ride.

“Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.  And when things start to happen, don't worry.  Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too. OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!” – Dr. Suess