We all have learned some important life lessons while behind the wheel! 

In the last three weeks, I drove more than I did in two years in California. Long commutes to meetings and visits were tiring, but I enjoyed them most of the time. And no… I am not a car lover or a petrolhead. 

Being on the roads alone made me reflect on what I saw and contemplate how those situations could have a bigger picture. Read on and share with me your story from the road.

Mind your own lane 

Driving through the two-lane Richmond Bridge makes me realize how important it is to mind my own lane! Whether on one-lane, two-lane, or six-lane roadways, my safety depends on being mindful of my own driving while being aware of the surroundings. I cannot afford to stare at other vehicles or drivers or engage in phone conversations, which would only distract me from my performance and cause a possible accident. 

I am on my individual journey… and I am the Driver of my life.

Be ready to make mistakes 

I’ve missed taking exit 8B for I-580 E five times in a row. Guess how frustrating it is to drive extra miles to reach your destination! As a new driver, I’ve made a hundred mistakes and learned a fresh perspective every time. 

It’s challenging to face the aftereffects of our life mistakes, but maybe that’s the only way to become newer versions of ourselves. 

Expect the unexpected

Unexpected, uninvited, and unpleasant. Once, I unintentionally overtook a driver, and the guy followed me for 10 minutes with creepy gestures. He even stopped twice on a roadside to curse me, sticking his head out of the car. He followed me up to a parking lot. I was so panicked that my heart almost jumped out of my chest. 

Life is a whole of unplanned events. The only way to get through them is to face them. 

 Let go of the sad scenes

Last month, I was driving back from Novato on a weekend, it was raining hard. I saw a car spinning when I got on a freeway just a few meters away. I thought if the driver was doing a stunt or something. I saw the car spin and hit the wall in just a few seconds. The front bumper was seen stuck by the railing. It took me some time to process what I just saw. That scene disturbed me throughout the way and even after that.

We encounter many unpleasant events in life, and it’s difficult to forget them, especially if we are emotionally connected to them. I believe one of the things we human beings lack is the art of letting go. 

Side scenes are just side-scenes

We see a lot of scenes and scenery on the road, but we know they are just side scenes. We enjoy beautiful scenes, feel bad for sad scenes, and move on. We might slow down for a moment, but we don’t stop. 

Anything and everything that is not making me a better person is a side scene. 

Who is navigating you?

Imagine a human life without these navigation apps! We use digital maps to go to new places. We rely on the fact that no matter how many turns we miss, the map will guide us to the destination. 

Do you recognize the driving force of your life’s journey? Who is navigating you?