I think we’re pretty much all are aware now that I’m Zombie, yes? That being said, my eyes have seen many things. I may view the world a little differently than most. The more I go to counseling, the more I realize that my view of my life and the world was shall we say, skewed. More darkness than light, more evil than good, and trust was a broken word that held no meaning.

While I do reflect on the past, I try to keep forward momentum. I want to see all that this world has to offer in a more positive light. Take the time to enjoy the sights that so many walk past daily without even noticing. I was one of those people, so I know how easy it is to fall into the trap. Lets take a look if you will.

I’ve been running for some 40 years now. It’s become more of a walking thing than running, more because the body just does better when I walk. In plain English, “shit hurts and shit breaks easier now.” When I’m out on the road the feeling of freedom is abundant. My cares and worries tend to subside. I’m left with just raw emotions. I’ve gone over overpasses and gazed out at a sunset shining down on an open field and just stopped with tear filled eyes. Such a simple thing that is taken for granted. The way the lines from the sun can split clouds and lay gently across the green, lush earth. It’s a work of art!

Then there are the manmade things. Seeing a bridge at dawn. Standing tall and strong with the blue morning sky as a backdrop. Sleek and powerful! Watching the daily commuters hustle over, racing for their lives. Perhaps caught up in their daily grind, thinking of the weekend and what things they want to do, or perhaps a car full of children singing to a song on the radio. I see, hear and feel all of these things.

Wildlife is just everywhere. Birds of so many different origins. Their colors, mannerisms, ways of eating or loving one another. Ground dwelling fuzzy little chunks…lol! They’re always a favorite. Dogs of all varieties that I happen across while on my route. I’ve become fast friends with many and look forward to just seeing any or all of them as I make my way through the miles. I find myself looking for them each time I go on each of my designated routes. If they’re not around, I often wonder if they’re alright. They’re a part of my routine and help to make my day something better. We have a saying on walkabouts. Whenever we see creatures wandering, or looking for food, they’re just “on the hustle, trying to make a living.” Just the same as all of us. Trying to find our way through the world, eat, love, and pray our way into a better life.

I will tell you that I also see great sadness. There are times when I see wandering folks, unsure of who they are, or where they’re going. People sleeping on the street, or in a torn up tent at the side of a bridge. Desperation and fear are also a part of our world. What we see and how we see it are what make us different, unique. Some can pass by things like this and feel nothing. Not even so much as a glance in the direction of this broken person. Others stop and offer food, or a bit of change. Empathy is something that I’ve felt has been lost. If not lost, maybe pushed aside at times. We’ve become numb to the ugliness in the world today. Even if you choose not to see it, trust me, it still resides in all areas, all zip codes.

So, when I walk, these are all things that are happening. I’ve had many ask me “what do you do for all those hours out there?” “Don’t you get bored?” That’s easy, I’m never bored. There is too much going on to ever be bored and it’s never the same. Each time I travel there is something more to discover. While I may be walking the same route that I walked the day before, something is always different. I feel as though I’m meant to feel what I see. I don’t understand why yet, but something in me thinks that if I notice these things, it makes them real. If I write about them, others may know then, and it’s validated. Whether it’s the vision of the city, or the clouds in the sky. These things were meant to be noticed, just like each one of us. We have a purpose and a place in this world. Much like the creatures I spoke of earlier. We’re all on the hustle trying to make a living.

I’d like each of you to take a moment in your day to recognize something or someone that you may not normally do. Really take a look around and feel it. That’s the challenge for today. It’s really not asking for much, just a moment from your busy day. Gaze at that sunrise or sunset that I spoke of. Look at all the birds and fuzzy creatures scurrying about. Let your senses run wild! See things through the eyes of Zombie, if only for a moment.

Thank you so much for reading.

~Zombie~