I found that walking to work, which takes about 30 minutes, leaves me infinitely happier when I walk into my first meeting than taking the subway to work, which takes about 20 minutes.

Just getting to see my neighborhood from above ground and its colorful hubbub, the cyclists on their morning routes, the finance types in suits with their cappuccinos, the punk walking the fluffy white dog…all the New York characters are out in full force. And you miss it all taking the subway (not that you don’t see characters, mind you, they’re just a lot less active).

It’s a good thing that spring has finally sprung, and such walks are now pleasant and a critical part of my new morning routine, when I can afford the time.