Living Outside the Box

Sometimes, it’s important to step outside the box, take some risks and travel roads less traveled. It’s how we grow as humans.

Those who know me well are aware of how I often seem to stumble upon adventure, take calculated risks and think-live outside the box.

My recent adventure occurred last week when a friend generously offered me a pass to attend an art event that I was interested in. The event was in Miami, about an hour’s drive from my winter home. I had work to do and was conflicted about going to the event. All of a sudden, I got the idea to take the train and work on-board. I knew it would take much longer to travel but I’d use my time productively and enjoyably.

Once I put my plan in action, the magic began. I called about the train schedule and found there was a weekend special: $5.00 round trip! I later learned the parking alone would have cost $25.00. I drove five minutes from my home and arrived to the train station. While trying to get my ticket from a ridiculously complex machine, I met a couple (brother-sister I came to realize later) trying to similarly negotiate with the machine.

We boarded the train and realized we were going to the same event. We sat together and talked the whole time about art, life and the community we live in. Their family were early settlers. Our chat ranged over a number of topics including how addicted our society is to the automobile and the comfort of being in our own private little boxes at great cost to the environment and our ability to connect with others.  It was indeed very special to enjoy the company of such interesting people.

The art show was great and at the appointed time I worked my way back to the bus which would connect me to my train back home.  Unfortunately the bus was delayed.  We finally arrived to the train station and I went directly to the ticket booth.  I was informed the train left two minutes before and the next train would be leaving in two hours.

The people in front of me at the ticket booth moaned and groaned at their fate.  I got into resourcefulness mode and wondered what further adventures I might stumble upon. Additional factors included that I was getting cold, station was not at the nicest of neighborhoods and there was not much open on a late Sunday afternoon.

Not to be undaunted, I walked 15 minutes in one direction, then back and tried another direction.  Finally I stumbled upon a Fish Market that was open. I walked in and saw a wonderful variety of fresh fish displayed in their ultra-clean showcase.  I also noticed a non-discrete hallway that I saw two people walk towards. I followed them and was again rewarded.   Much to my surprise, there was a wonderful oasis: a tiny sit down bar-restaurant attached to the market serving fresh seafood. I ordered the salmon platter: a huge piece of fish, plantains and a fresh salad. My bill was $8.00.

After my meal I walked around a bit more and returned to the station in time for my train feeling full in a variety of ways.  I spent the day meeting great people, seeing a world class art exhibit, in a world class city, topped off with a memorable and delicious meal.  Total cost:  $13.00. A wonderful Upside adventure!

I returned home fully refreshed that evening and wound up also doing the work that I was going to stay home to do, in half the time with twice the energy. Most importantly, felt incredible gratitude and satisfaction for following my instincts and being rewarded handsomely for it.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Consider times in your life when you followed your instincts, took some risks and roads less traveled it paid off positively…

2. What did you learn about yourself and life?

Previously Published by Steve Goldberg on www.upsidematters.org on December 13, 2010

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