Earlier today I had the experience of driving a loaner car that was very different from the kind of ride to which I have become accustomed. This required adjustment, in both my attitude and my expectations.
The metaphor that laid out in front of me on the open road was striking. When driving my own vehicle, I am accustomed to getting up to speed quickly. I am accustomed to comfort and yes, even some luxuries.
I have also grown accustomed to my vehicle maneuvering the turns of the road with ease and have it respond to my direction and guidance as if it was there to serve me.
Even though I learned how to drive a standard shift in a VW Beetle 43 years ago, under the direction of a young man that became my husband, I have evolved. This VW BUG, although a fun reminiscence of my youth, it was not a good representative for how I want to drive through my life at this point in time.
With the intention of trying not to sound like a snob that has become accustomed to driving high performance vehicles and is far above a VW Beetle or the limitations it represents, here’s the deeper truth: Through the years of my life, I have gained confidence behind the virtual wheel of my life’s choices. Through experience, some of which has involved risk, I have learned that life can go much more smoothly when I trust my vehicle (me) to take the turns of life with ease and without slowing down so much that I stall.
I have also learned that I can be comfortable as I take the turns of life if I trust myself and believe I can maneuver through whatever may show up on the road. If I doubt, I tend to put on the brakes and we all know where we go when the brakes are on. NOWHERE!!
I have also learned that an upgrade, whether a car or a standard of life, heightens my awareness of what is possible. It may feel awkward at first, but the more I live my car metaphor of life (practice shifting at high speed, trusting my abilities and enjoying the ride), the better I get at doing it naturally and with ease.
So for anyone reading this post, my advice is to ride your metaphorical road through life the way you want to ride it. Take care of your vehicle with regular maintenance so you know it can take the twist and turns that will inevitably show up on the roads ahead.
Happy travels!