An ode to autopilot

Presence, to me, is our greatest opportunity as humans. 

But let’s be real. 

Many humans, myself included, struggle to stay focused on what’s happening now. 

Like yesterday. I left to pick up my daughter from school, late because I had five minutes to kill after my last call. What did I do?

I picked up my phone. And scrolled. 

I came back to my senses to realize that I needed to leave, like Now. 

But I had to pee.

Which reminded me that I’ve been so dehydrated. 

So when I was finished, I filled my water bottle. Naturally. 

Then got distracted by a text. 

Then Oh Shit!

I had to go, like Now. 

But dammit. My keys weren’t in their spot. 

Which meant I must have left them in my coat pocket. 

Once the keys were found, I said bye to the dog and promised my quick return with his best girl. 

Then rushed to my car. 

When I was safely parked in our agreed upon pick up spot, I took a breath. 

I took a breath and realized that I couldn’t remember a single thing about my drive. 

Only that I’d made it on time with moments to spare. 

I looked for clues. Apparently I’d chosen my “fresh” playlist on Spotify, which contains a subtle variation of the same 100 songs I tend to listen to on repeat. 

Don’t remember how many songs played. 

Or whether I sang. 

(I hope I did.)

I remember closing the garage door.

Then arriving 6.2 miles from our home.

Tell me I’m not the only human who experiences days like this.