Michael

The time Erica and I picked to return to Rhode Island from Cape Cod yesterday turned out to have very heavy traffic. The line of cars was miles long.

This is a time for cultivating patience. Actually, cultivating the patience before you get stuck in traffic is a better option. The old me would get extremely frustrated about being stuck in traffic. Today I was amazingly calm. I feel like progress has been made.

Many of us have numerous issues when driving a car. We get frustrated easily. We can get incredibly angry at other drivers or the situation we find ourselves in.

I wonder sometimes if we use other drivers as the focus of our frustration and anger because it’s safer and easier than confronting the real issues that we may be reacting to. Are we all too intent on getting somewhere than enjoying the journey? Do we really have to speed to the next event in our lives or can we learn to enjoy the moments that connect all those many events?

I still have a lot of work to make the times that I drive more relaxing. Slowly but surely I’m improving. Every week I get closer to my goal. You will find that as you become less frustrated and angry when driving you will be in less situations that you can get frustrated at.

Try distracting yourself. Listen to some good music. Have a positive conversation with a friend. Glance at the beautiful scenery around you. Listen to an audio book that you enjoy.

Just remember that these ideas are ways to distract yourself from frustration and anger not to distract you from a safe driving experience.

Have a great day!

Michael