This is how lessons are learned.
Driving a car is not really meant to be stressful; it’s convenient and purposeful. You can also imagine driving as an extension of who you are – how does it feel to take a sharp curve, how does it feel putting the car in gear and to feel the acceleration, or how does it feel to cruise with the windows down on that perfect summery day. Relax.
There are times when I’m driving to work and I get caught up in the stressful energy from the other rush hour commuters. The slow crawl, erratic drivers cutting me off, “cheaters” who dive into the lane that I’ve waited patiently in (ya know…the SLOWEST lane), signal lights that are all against me – that can really get to anyone! Rush hour traffic is really like a sport, if you think about it. You’re trying to get to work the quickest you can, you’re trying to dodge other cars to be the quickest, you know the shortcuts or backup routes…
Well, sometimes the stress of it all can get the best of you and can cause you to do something irrational or careless. In my case, I was caught up in just getting to work that I lost a bit of patience and hit a column in the parking garage!! Ugh. How stupid to hit a stationary thing, right? I tried to go around a car that was parked to my right (there was space in front of it) and while making sure I didn’t hit the car, I didn’t check the front and hit the column. The sound wasn’t very pleasant and the sight of Moss’ bumper wasn’t very comforting either.
I was sad. I wanted to cry. The parking attendant helped me pop the bumper back in place and gave me a free day to compensate for my traumatic experience! After the shock of it – I realized that driving stressed and taking things too personally on the road was just no way to drive. Lately, I’ve been trying to shut my brain down and relax on the commute – let people in who want to merge, choose one lane and stick with it, and try to have fun while driving! I’ve started listening to energizing music and that really helps; it’s like a mini club in my car now…hah.
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So after all that has been said and done…
Moss’ ouchie is all better with just a bit of detailer (thank you Justin) – a minor scratch on the bumper and a scuff on the lip is all that remains. ^____^b
