A man named Walter lived in a small town where everybody knew his name. Walter was a
creature of habit. Every day, he followed the same routine: wake up at 6 AM, have breakfast at the local diner, work at the post office, and spend his evenings reading the newspaper with a cup of earl gray tea.
One morning, Walter’s routine was interrupted by a new face at the diner. A young woman named Emily was sketching at the
counter. Walter said hello to Emily and learned that she was an artist who travels from place to place, drawing what she saw.
Emily shared some stories of her travels—places and people Walter could hardly imagine. Walter told Emily he had never left his small town.
Emily showed Walter her sketchbook, filled with drawings of bustling markets, serene beaches, and towering mountains.
“Why don’t you ever travel?” Emily asked.
Walter shrugged. “I’m too old to change,” he said.
Emily smiled and said, “The way I see it, it’s all about perspective. Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about seeing things differently. When you step out of your routine, you open yourself up to
new experiences and ideas. It’s about being open to breaking from your routine now and then and being open to new possibilities...and I plan to continue doing this until I take my last breath.”
Emily’s words stuck with Walter. The next morning, he decided to take a different route to the post office. It was a small change, but for him,
it was significant. On this new path, he noticed things he had never seen before—a neighbor's beautiful garden, a mural on an old building, children playing in a park.
Encouraged, Walter started making small changes to his routine. He tried a new breakfast at the diner (which he enjoyed!), talked to people he usually ignored,
and even started sketching in his own notebook. Each change brought a new perspective, a new appreciation for his town.
Like Walter, we often find ourselves stuck in routines, seeing the world through a narrow lens. But when we change our perspective and embrace new experiences and ideas, we unlock endless
possibilities.
Sometimes, the biggest adventures start with the smallest steps. Walter’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to see things differently and embrace new experiences.
What new mini-steps will you take today to open up new experiences and possibilities in your life?
