I have been in Indiana (The Crossroads of America for those of you keeping score at home) for the past 2 days. It's quite a departure from my typical week hustling between New Jersey and New York City. Let's just say when I bought a beer last night - I got a lot more change than I expected. This may be abundantly clear, but I went to Notre Dame for four wonderful years 2002-2006. It's a great place full of great people, and I have a very deep attachment to it, like I'm sure many others do with their schools, towns, churches, etc.
Point being, it's a place where I can go and my body feels like it has just exhaled after holding its breath.
Where I truly feel refreshed though, is at the grotto at Notre Dame.
Those of you who may have only been to campus for a football game probably can recall a scene with hundreds of fans lining up to light candles and say prayers for family, friends, and the Fighting Irish (no judgement here...)The real magic of the place is when no one is around. Go here in the middle of the night or early in the morning and it feels alive. The silent sincerity is pretty overwhelming. I visited yesterday morning at 7am. It was cold, kinda dark, and I was the only one there as you can see by my picture. The thing is, you don't feel like you're the only one there. You're there with everyone who has ever been there and lit a candle.
It's probably the most peaceful place I know, and it simply sucks the concerns out of me. I don't even have to try. Find a place like this that you can go to. It doesn't have to be far away, famous or even religious. It just needs to be special for you. Where do you go to hit your reset button?
Drive Slow
Even though it is totally not good for you there is nothing like going to McDonald's Getting a fountain Coke and some fries...If I am feeling nutty I may get a cheeseburger for old times sake. Many of my memories good and bad have been enhanced or bettered repsectively with something from that place with the Golden Arches. From the earliest days of having a Happy Meal in my hospital room at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh to late nights driving home from first jobs in retail, road trips, working on the road, or a very special meal spent post holiday with my brother and now Sister in law. They are always happy to see me and tell me that I am welcome back anytime!
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