Del Taco Detour

There is a place South of Los Angeles that is the crest of a bluff named Inspiration Point. This vista reveals a view of the Pacific Ocean, a distant Catalina Island, and pools of aqua ocean that swirl around weathered boulders. The sight is stunning and it is easy to affix this place as one of California’s golden treasures. It certainly is one of my favorite places, perhaps my most; that is, it was, up to now.

No, I did not fall, nor were there clouds covering the coast, nor were there reasons for deflective drama.

Twice a year, I descend to Inspiration Point as part of a routine trip to the Otolaryngologist. Predictably, from Hollywood, I take La Brea Avenue South, to the 110 South, to the 405 South, to the 55 South and then South onto the Pacific Coast Highway. My schedule first takes me to the doctor, and then it is direct to the top of the point. Once there, I always want more than its present beauty; I want its namesake. “I will have this,” I tell myself.

For a moment, I would feel the beauty of the bluff, but as I retraced my route home, that feeling would fade.

As I practice present thinking, and my thought’s stride improves, I not only feel happier, but sparkling surprises have begun to sprout.

On my trip today, my bladder, about to burst, screamed for a bathroom break and I dreamed only for the familiar Golden Arches; that palace of ten piece McNuggets and double cheeseburgers and an available bathroom. That dream stopped when I saw an immediate, present, solution to my situation. Del Taco. Once inside, and once relieved, I realized, I had never eaten at Del Taco.

Let me say, the crispy fish taco with medium spicy sauce is just so succulent; far better than a McMeal.

The needs of the present moment gave me something new and something good. After lunch, I visited the doctor as normal, then drove straight to that place that purports inspiration. As always, the view was beautiful. Except, this time, I was bored.

Because I now practice present thinking, I knew that I did not have to stay on the bluff as I would have done in the past, nor did I have to repeat “I want this.”

So I left.

I put my car into drive and headed North on the Pacific Coast Highway. On this return home, I decided to try something new, like I had done for lunch. I took the PCH all the way home and I discovered new towns and different views, but it was not what I saw that defined the present moment, it was what I did in that moment. Perhaps that’s the point of inspiration.

See you tomorrow!