6:45 on a Monday. Wake up. Brush teeth, wash face, do makeup, put on clothes. Coffee on the go. Long drive ahead. Arrive at college. Listen, take notes, turn in project, seminar, activity. Lunch on the go this time. Long drive once again. Arrive at work. Meetings, projects, short interactions. Do a good job. This is the beginning of your whole career, but really, no pressure. Double, triple, quadruple check. Finish up. One more long drive. Arrive back at college. Exchange the discomfort of your collared shirt for a tight sports bra. Stretch. Arms, legs, back, hands, head etc. Laps around the court. Dribble left, cut in, layup. Don’t miss your threes now. Hours pass by. Time to go home. But first, talk with coach. Take a gamble…what can you do better today? Don’t let it get to your head. Last long drive of the day. Arrive home. Eat, shower, sleep. 23:30 on a Monday.

6:45 on a Monday. It’s the start of the week. You wake up in your big, comfortable bed, in a room all to yourself. You put on clothes you like and remember how good it is to express yourself so freely. You drink warm coffee that settles in your chest. You take your vitamins and feel gratitude for your health. Your dog wags his tail at the sight of you, and you pet him before heading out. You drive your own car, the one your parents bought you with such love and care. What a privilege. You listen to your favorite playlist, letting the lyrics live in your mind. You arrive at college and are met with hugs from your girlfriend. You go to class and learn from professors who slowly help you understand the world. You drive to work, a tall building that cuts through the skyline. Such an opportunity. You have lunch, with a little chocolate for dessert. You sit by the window and let the sun hit your face. You do your work carefully, with thought and passion. You get great feedback from your bosses, who are kind and want the best for you. You finish up and drive back to college. You put on your new basketball shoes, drink a cold Gatorade, and head to the court. You see your friends, share stories about your day, and laugh, quite a bit. You play your favorite sport. You’re pushed by your coach more than the rest, but he makes sure you know it’s because he believes in you. You drive back, once again, to the sound of your favorite music. You’re greeted with a warm, nutritious meal. Your brother waited so you could eat together. You talk about things only you two understand. You shower, take care of your body and skin, and get ready for bed. You read a novel about a small bookstore in Japan. You think about other people, other lives. You feel grateful for yours. There’s already so much beauty in it and, still, so much more to come. You fall asleep. 23:30 on a Monday.