The Odyssey of the Morning Commute

Every morning, with a coffee in hand, we set off on our daily adventure. For most of us, the daily adventure is to get to work. This morning commute isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s a journey filled with tiny quests and unexpected treasures.

So how do you make this commute to work a positive moment (or at least not negative)? Let’s take a lighter look at this daily ritual and find ways to sprinkle a bit of joy into our travels.

The First Step - Leaving the Castle: The key to a serene departure? A little bit of prep the night before. Think of it as laying out your armor and map for the next day’s quest.

People love to ‘wing it’, keeping a nonchalant attitude, but it comes with a cost. Uncertainty. Which creates stress and sometimes even panic.

Choosing your outfit, prepping your breakfast, and packing your bag can turn a frantic dash out the door into a noble, calm stride into the day.

It’s about making your morning a bit easier, so there’s more time to savour that cup of joe.

The Quest Commences - Navigating the Realm: Whether you’re the knight in the family sedan or a squire on the subway, the way to the kingdom of work or school is fraught with challenges.

Sometimes, taking the road less traveled (or the less crowded bus route) can make all the difference. We all experience missing buses and late trains. You want to prepare yourself so those hiccups don’t set a negative tone for the entire day.

It’s about keeping your cool and remembering that every adventurer needs a backup plan — like knowing the next train schedule or having a podcast ready to make traffic jams enjoyable.

A Moment of Peace - The In-Between Times: Those precious moments of calm between the hustle and bustle are like finding an oasis.

Maybe it’s the ten minutes of blissful podcast laughter or the chapter of a book that transports you to another world. It’s the perfect time to recharge your spirit before the day ahead. What’s the secret? Simply choosing to do something that makes you happy.

It is a choice you need to make. You can get frustrated by the traffic, which you have zero control over. Or you can choose to turn this moment around. Personally, I like using this time to read.

The Destination - Arrival at the Gates: How you arrive sets the tone for your day. Glide to your destination with the grace of a ship sailing into the harbor, not a runaway train.

Your perspective is your superpower. The way you decide to look at the different moments and challenges of your day is what defines your feeling at the end of it.

Taking a moment to breathe and enjoy the arrival can shift the entire day’s perspective. It’s about arriving in a way that makes you feel ready to take on the world — or at least your to-do list.

Recommended book for you daily commute: “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories”

If you’re looking for something light, humorous, and a bit whimsical, B.J. Novak’s collection of short stories is a fantastic choice.

The Homeward Bound - The Journey Back to Port: The voyage home is your time to unwind, to let the day’s challenges slip away with every mile. It’s a chance to reflect on the day’s victories, no matter how small, and to transition back into the sanctuary of home.

Make a phone call to your friends with whom you like sharing your day. Maybe something interesting happened at work that you want to share. Or maybe you just want to sit in the quiet.

This part of the journey is about finding balance and peace as you end your day.

Remember to share the story with the friend with the longest morning commute. This will help them start the morning in the right tone.