By Ethan Cotton
Union Station Christmas Tree
Amtrak Train
Martinsburg West Virgina
For far too long I was that person that didn’t enjoy traveling during the Holidays. Excuses like the craziness of the season, the overall exhaustion of making plans at the same time it seemed everyone else was, the prices being way too high and the general discomfort of it all, but this past year, 2025, was different. First and foremost, learning the lesson again that, “Life is short.” A reminder that time is finite, urging us to live intentionally, prioritizing meaningful experiences, relationships, and personal growth, rather than postponing dreams, as our existence is brief and unpredictable, making every moment precious and demanding focus on what truly matters.
Secondly, since this past July I have been unshackled by the constraints of having a day job. Having “All the time in the world” free from external obligations and pressure to enjoy a state of abundant unstructured time for quiet reflection. It gives you the ability to live in the moment and experience a sense of peace. For me, the act of taking a photograph requires that you slow down and actively observe their surroundings. Instead of rushing through an experience, a photographer must carefully consider composition, lighting, and subject matter. This focused attention on the present moment can lead to a deeper appreciation of all that surrounds you.
So, on November 22nd, I headed to Chicago’s Union Station to board a train headed to Boston.
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