Driving to and from work four days a week is monotonous. I often remind myself to be in the moment and enjoy the ride. Here are ways that help me avoid boredom in the routine.
Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.
— Author Unknown
Sometimes I listen to CDs which revolve around a theme—such as women songwriters or music from the sixties. I also enjoy listening to an artist’s or songwriter’s CDs in chronological order to observe their growth and evolution. If I plan for more travel time, I try different routes which are less direct than the main roads.
Another activity I enjoy is taking pictures of things I see along the way. I made a rule that I can only take a picture while stopped at a traffic light or stopped in a line of traffic. (It is impossible, not to mention dangerous, to take a picture while moving!)
I look for interesting buildings, architectural details, signs, colors, bumper stickers—anything that catches my attention. When I feel I have exhausted every possible object, building, or scene to take a picture of, I force myself to find things that have gone unnoticed. It is remarkable what you see when you compel yourself to really look around and be observant—to constantly be on the lookout. I always find something I have missed!
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
— Author Unknown
Where I am in a line of traffic makes a difference as to what details I notice. If I am at the light, my attention is drawn to the corners of the intersection. If I am farther back in the line, I see the buildings to my left and right more clearly.
When I get downtown, I constantly marvel at the architectural details and designs of the beautiful, old buildings. Many are newly updated and cleaned. Often, though sad, decaying buildings with rusty, broken windows are visually interesting and evocative of previous decades.
The shapes and colors of machinery and building sites are also interesting—although, road work and construction can interrupt my journey and make the drive even longer!
When I am not stopped long enough to take a picture but see something interesting, I make a mental note of what I see and hope that next time I will have ample time to snap a picture while sitting in traffic.
I was surprised to see this detail one morning. I am stopped at this light almost every day, but never at this particular spot.
These signs are amusing. They are in the window of an old hardware store near downtown and are posted there year-round! One would rarely need or use a sled in Alabama . . . yet they want us to know they have sleds!
This mural looks different through the changing seasons.
Shadows are interesting.
What a surprise to see these lovely sunflowers growing atop a building!
Seasonal decorations help to brighten the drive!
Watching buildings being built and seeing the progress reminds me of the passage of time.
This 1931 Art Deco railroad underpass connects the south part of town to downtown. One day I was pleased that I was stopped at just the right spot to snap this picture.
One of the most gratifying experiences is when I see something I have driven past numerous times but never saw until I forced myself to really look around. Whether listening to music, trying a new route, or taking pictures—all these activities help me find interest in the routine.
Do you have ways that help you stave off boredom while driving to and from work? Let me know in the comments below!
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