Going Against Traffic: The Sunrise Ritual of Resilience on Wheels
How two friends turned Central Park into their playground and created a game that scores smiles…
The Game That Changed Everything
Picture this: It's sunrise in Central Park. While most early morning exercisers follow the predictable flow—downtown on the west side, uptown on the east—two figures glide against the current on rollerblades.
Meet Dr. Phil Schneider, 76, and Rabbi Moshe Drelich Ed.D. For decades, these two friends have maintained a ritual that's part exercise, part philosophy, and entirely joyful.
Their secret? When you go against the flow, you see faces.
The Rules of Their Game
What started as a morning workout evolved into something more meaningful. Phil and Moshe created a simple scoring system:
Say "good morning" to everyone you pass
Someone looks up? 1 point
Someone smiles back? 2 points!
It sounds simple, but the impact is profound. In a world where people rush past each other with eyes down and earbuds in, these two men made human connection their daily mission.
When Parkinson's Tried to Win
Three years ago, the game stopped.
Parkinson's Disease had entered Phil's life, bringing with it the kind of challenges that would sideline most people. The tremors, the balance issues, the uncertainty—all seemed to spell the end of decades of sunrise rollerblading.
But Phil had something Parkinson's couldn't touch: discipline and hope.
While the rollerblades sat unused, Phil maintained his disciplined practice at the gym. He kept his head strong, refusing to let the disease define his limits. Day after day, he worked to preserve what he could, preparing for a comeback that might never come.
The Message That Changed Everything
Then, on a recent Sunday morning, I got this text message:
"On a roll again. Beautiful Central Park morning after 3 year break."
Phil was back. Not just surviving, but thriving. Not just moving, but scoring smiles again.
The Philosophy Behind the Blades
What makes this story extraordinary isn't just the comeback—it's the philosophy that made it possible.
Going against traffic isn't just about rollerblading technique. It's about:
Choosing connection over convenience
Seeing obstacles as opportunities to grow stronger
Finding joy in the journey, not just the destination
Creating your own rules when the world's rules don't serve you
When everyone else puts their head down and pushes through, Phil and Moshe look up and engage. When everyone else follows the prescribed path, they create their own.
Lessons for Life (and Parenting)
This sunrise ritual offers profound lessons for anyone facing challenges—especially parents worried about their "different" children:
Different Doesn't Mean Wrong
Going against traffic might seem contrarian, but it serves a purpose. Sometimes the unconventional path offers the richest experience.Resilience Requires Discipline
Phil's comeback wasn't luck—it was the result of disciplined preparation during the difficult years.Joy Can Be Intentional
The scoring system transforms a simple exercise routine into a celebration of human connection.Community Amplifies Strength
Having Rabbi Moshe as a consistent partner made the ritual sustainable and the comeback possible.
The Ripple Effect
Every morning, Phil and Moshe don't just exercise—they brighten dozens of people's days. Park visitors, fellow exercisers, dog walkers, and runners all become part of their game.
In a world that often feels disconnected, they've created a pocket of intentional joy. One smile at a time. One "good morning" at a time.
Your Own Game
You don't need rollerblades or Central Park to apply their wisdom:
Where in your life could you "go against traffic" to create better connections?
What would your own "scoring system" look like?
How might you turn daily routines into opportunities for joy?
Keep Rolling
At 76, with Parkinson's Disease, Dr. Phil Schneider proves that coming back is possible. That different can be beautiful. That the path you create yourself might be the most rewarding one of all.
The next time you see someone going against the flow, ask yourself: What might they be seeing that everyone else is missing?
Sometimes the most beautiful mornings happen when you roll against traffic.
Want to share your own story of resilience or "going against traffic"? We'd love to hear it.