As I find myself sitting here in the middle of nowhere, feeling a little cranky and complaining about not being able to find a decent cup of coffee, my attention is unexpectedly redirected to others’ real-life struggles. It is in these moments that I can step back and remind myself of the tremendous suffering of others and that of course puts my “coffee crisis” in perspective.
It is a Friday morning and I’m sitting in a small town in a donut shop, drinking a huge cup of coffee and trying to brush away another sleepless night. There is loud dance music pumping through the speakers, an absolute assault to the senses this early in the morning. Despite the inappropriate playlist for this time of the day, it doesn’t appear to be bothering anyone else.
As a creative artist, I am always looking and listening for inspiration, a way to tell the same old stories in new and interesting ways. With all the joys, hurts, pleasures, and disappointments of life, I am constantly searching for new ways to share these universal emotions and wrap them up in a song.
I don’t know if this day will bring inspiration to my songwriting, but I do know that reflecting on other people’s struggles has allowed me, in this moment, to dig a little deeper and be a little more grateful. After all, I am still breathing and drinking, albeit not a great cup of coffee, getting to watch the sun come up and see the beauty that another day has to offer.
Thanks to all the people I know and those I have not yet met who keep me grounded in what is truly important. I can’t say I still don’t feel a bit cranky, however, I know with a little effort there is beauty to discover everywhere, even here in a little town, in a doughnut shop, sipping a hot coffee.
It will be a few short hours and I will be back on the road for the true reason I have find myself here to begin with, an early birthday present, getting to have an encounter with the wolves.
More to come………
Lisa Leitl 