Most of you know I’ve moved recently. For the first time in a quarter century. And, this time, the primary purpose was to downsize. After all, my kids are all grown up and doing fine…there’s no reason to have a large house with lots of empty bedrooms.
Once you’ve made the decision to downsize, you also consider what other changes would be useful. In my case, a lesson taught by two of my esteemed college professors, J. J. Conti and Irving Miller, came to mind. Both of whom helped me become a great chemical engineer. For that (and their friendship), I thank them immensely.
But, that’s not the main point of this blog, either. (To be honest, neither is transport phenomena, which I will discuss shortly- but it sets up the concept well.) You see, there are two concepts critical to transport phenomena- diffusion and convection. You probably think you know them well (or not). Diffusion is when things migrate to equalize concentration (or as close as they can come to that ideal). Convection is the bulk propulsion of materials in a specific direction.
But, a great way to consider these facts (thanks, JJ and Irving, I still remember every word) is to consider folks traveling on a train. That train is moving from New York to Washington. That’s the convective motion. But, those first cars on the train are crowded and folks are moving back to find available seats. They are diffusing to the lower concentrations of folks in each train car. Oh, sure, they are moving quickly to Washington, but they are controlling their own fate within that motion to find comfort and better conditions.
Well, that’s the way it is with life. We are not in total control. But, as the path of our destiny convects us from birth to life, we can make adjustments. We can make life better- not just for ourselves, but for others.
And, that’s the choice we each have. To be willing to be dragged inexorably to our demise, pushed willy nilly with the current. Or, we can put out our hands, adjust the path, and make it the journey the best one we can make.
Here’s to diffusion- and, if enough of us do just that- we can alter the convective direction, too…
Hope the diffusion is going well!
Caro Ness recently posted..A Good Bath Hat
Only if we keep it active, Caro!
Nice post Roy – educational and very meaningful. The train analogy is great…
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..EASY CROCK POT ORZO
Thanks, Alessa. Glad you like the lesson I recalled from some 45+ years ago…
Diffusion. Convection. | http://t.co/0JDUXX1OFu via @Adjuvancy
Diffusion. Convection. | http://t.co/VRBo9E33Dz via @Adjuvancy #change #lifestyle
As we grow older, it seems like the years pass faster and faster until one day there will be no more time in this life. I like the analogy of traveling on the train…even though we continue to move along toward our eventual death, we still have control over the quality of the journey. Well said, Roy.
Thanks, Janette!
I appreciate your visit and comment.
May you enjoy the stops along the journey…Maybe even cause a few extra ones.
Diffusion. Convection. http://t.co/MhNcZku6oN
Love the analogy of this post, Roy, it’s very inspiring. I wish you well in your newly downsized abode!
Thanks, Suerae…
Glad you enjoyed the “journey”…
What a great analogy! So, which changes will you make in your new place?
Muriel recently posted..French & Frazzled
I have made them before I got here. I got rid of sofas, chairs, beds, dressers, and lots of other stuff.
The next move won’t have a back yard (I’m pretty sure) and will have one less bedroom. But, that gives me a year to shrink some more, Muriel.
Diffusion or convection? How downsizing inspired Roy.. http://t.co/55cC21sLzr