To drop my son off at his previous school, we took the elevator from the garage up to the 3rd floor. When I picked him up he always asked to take the stairs to the escalator to the elevator to get to the car instead of just taking the elevator. My instinct was to say no and to just take the elevator. But it made him so happy, I’d give in.
I’d watch as he’d dance his way down the stairs and then step onto the escalator as though it was an amusement park ride. It just delighted him. Then we’d walk to the elevator and he would make sure to press the button, again taking such delight in a small, simple act. He made leaving school playful and lighthearted, which made me think maybe I should try it too.
Now, when I drop his younger sister off, I take the stairs to the escalator, just like my son would. It definitely challenges my need to be efficient and to not waste time. To focus on getting back to my work. But as I walked down the steps I pictured the way he would jump and side step down them. When I got the escalator I tried to imagine what he felt as he rode down. And it made me smile. It’s a small, silly thing. But I do it every day now. And it feels good to slow down and embrace the atypical path.
My son reminded me that there’s more than one way to get from here to there. It doesn’t always have to be what’s most efficient. Sometimes it can be a moment to reflect or embrace slowing down, and at best even a delight.
