I am a fast walker.
I think I’ve always been a fast walker because usually when I am walking it is to get somewhere to do something. So I like to get there and, well, do whatever it is I have to do.
Fast walking has been especially apparent to me over the last 17 years while working at Syracuse University because where I park my car is one third of a mile from my office. It usually takes me about six minutes to get from my car to my desk. And boy oh boy is that walk fun in the winter.
Today as I was about to embark on my fast walk a colleague was coming out another door at the same time where we park. Normally because I am a fast walker, and I know he is not, I would have made some excuse to rush ahead because, well, again, I want to get where I’m going. Quickly.
“Hey sorry but I have to stop at the post office on the way in.” Or, I have to meet a friend at Dunkin’ Donuts.” Or some other lame excuse.
But today was different. I had not seen this friend much over the last year because of covid. We just don’t wander the building like we used to, and I like talking to him. There is something honest, sincere and personal about our conversations. We usually talk SU basketball or football or our families or some current event. It’s almost never about work or what’s going on at SU. Fast walk be damned, time to slow down.
We talked taking the train to New York, who got the vaccine, his family in Queens and he was, as always, honest, sincere and personal.
I’m glad I slowed down. There was nothing here in the office that couldn’t wait another stupid five minutes. I’m going to remember this walk and when the opportunity arises, I’ll slow down again.