Morning Run

July 3rd, 2010

I decided to get up early and go for a jog through the downtown district. This time of day in the city is great, only a few people are about, the delivery trucks are stocking up the shops and restaurants, and the air is quiet as the sun is newly awake.

The first jogger I passed said good morning to me and I thought, it's so nice when people greet others as they meet on a path or sidewalk. I was taught at a young age that it is polite to say hello to others as we passed them on our family bikerides and it has sort of been forgotten now that I live in a bigger city. Ok, I'm going to try to say "hello" or "good morning" to each person I pass on this run.

Thirty seconds later, as my mind was wandering-thinking about all the "things" I need to do (or so I tell myself I need to do them) I realized I passed one or two others without saying a word! I forgot already!

By then I was running along the waterfront and saw a man sitting on a bench. It looked like he had perhaps slept on that very same bench last night.

I looked at him and said with a smile, "Good Morning".

He perked up with a sudden straight posture and said, "Good Morning Ma'am. Have a good day!" His tone got louder because I was running past him by this point.

I turned around with a giant smile and replied, "Thanks! You too, have a great day!" :)

I could almost hear him say hi to the next passer-by, like he had suddenly woken up to a bright sunny day by the river. I hope that he has fun today and is greeted by lots of others too.

Peace :)