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For the past nine years, I have had a “55ish” minute (one-way) commute each day to the school where I teach in Greenfield. There are days when I wish my drive was a short and simple 5-10 minute route, but those are few and far between. Most days, my lengthy drive flies by very quickly thanks to the opportunities it affords me.

There are a number of reasons why my time in the car goes by so rapidly. Allow me to discuss just a few…

I thoroughly enjoy music and listen to plenty of it during my drive each day. It serves a variety of purposes for me. Listening to 80s music puts me in a time machine and allows me to reflect on the “good old days” when life was simpler during high school and college. Music also has the power to move me emotionally as I reflect on the thoughtful lyrics produced by REM (my all-time favorite band), George Harrison, Van Morrison, James Taylor or many of the other predominantly 70s/80s bands/music I so prefer. A good dose of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart can provide me with a “calming energy” I often need. Sometimes the enthusiasm of the Violent Femmes, Supertramp, KISS or the Kentucky Headhunters offers a much-needed wake-up and chance to sing-a-long. Mellow tunes from the Cowboy Junkies or the Avett Brothers can sometimes be “just what the doctor ordered.”

I also have plenty of time to contemplate books I am reading and/or have recently read (or in some cases re-read). Some of my most recent reads include: “Everything Happens For A Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)”, “The Incurable Optimist”, “Stoicism”, “The Virtues of Aging”, any historical book by Erik Larson, “The Screwtape Letters”... all provide me no shortage of information for contemplation.

Some days, I’m able to just enjoy the quiet and allow my mind to drift (while being certain to remain aware of my surroundings!) - which can be very refreshing. Clearing the clutter and knocking away the cobwebs in my mind is a much-needed experience from time-to-time. Concentrating on my breathing can help reduce pent up stress or serve as a good preventative measure. As a result, my mental health benefits from these chances to relax and recharge.

On the way to school most mornings, my drive gives me time to think about main talking points to address with kids that day. I don’t teach in a conventional environment. Suffice it to say that when asked what I teach, oftentimes I say “life.” As a result, my drive home each afternoon involves reflecting on what worked/didn’t work - whether it be life lessons or explaining square root functions in Algebra II. The life circumstances of many of our kids are not easy. Our repeated “food for thought” each day revolves around the notion that being kind to one another - - even when it’s not particularly easy - begins with acknowledging that we all have struggles. My drive gives me time to think about what can be done to put a smile on their faces and - at least for the moment - help improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Given my current circumstances (Stage 4 pancreatic cancer of which I plan to write another column soon), there are not many days when I don’t contemplate Jim Valvano’s (Jimmy V) famous “Don’t Give Up” speech he delivered in 1993 only a couple of months before dying from cancer. The advice the coach gave made a huge impact on me. Jimmy V said that if one is able to laugh, have their emotions move them to tears and to THINK each day - that is a “heckuva” day. I am able to do each of those three nearly every day during my time in the car. Laughing comes easy when listening to the contagious giggles and guffaws coming as a result of shenanigans from the “Bob & Tom” show. THINKing is a given. Crying is the result of topsy- turvy emotions experienced from my current health concerns. Other tears are produced from the thoughts/reflections about valuable experiences I’ve shared with family/friends over the years.

My drive is an “easy” drive. It’s a pleasant drive that primarily consists of country roads rather than the racing traffic found on the interstate. I appreciate the scenery and seeing the sun rise. Very seldom does anyone ride my bumper while I’m traveling somewhere around the speed limit. Typically, my biggest concern is getting behind slow moving farm equipment. Even with that, I’ve gotten better at telling myself I’ll still arrive at my destination - just a little bit slower (while maybe even getting another song or two in before I get there).

I’m not sure how I made it this far without mentioning one of the best things about my drive each morning. Immediately upon completion of my granola bar of choice for the day, I take my first drink of coffee for the day. Whether it be a light roast from Mocha Joe’s out of Brattleboro, Vermont or a yummy Highlander Grogg from The Attic in Madison - I find real pleasure in that first smell and sip for the day.

All things considered, I appreciate my commute for giving me time to be grateful for so many things - particularly the so-called little things. Those small things certainly include my “55ish” minute commute. Maybe all those “small” things are not so small after all…