Above: Me with my 1992 Pontiac Firebird convertible, nicknamed “The Beast,” shortly after I purchased it. I owned it for 17 years, putting more than 200,000 miles on it, and cried like a baby when I sold it. The new owner promised me he’d take good care of it.
Well, actually, “cars” plural — I’ve owned eight through the years, and I remember each one of them, some more vividly than others, as much for their rides as the things they taught me about life.
Here’s what I’ve learned about life from my cars:
- Happiness is a clean windshield. Clarity is always a good thing, whether your driving down the road or determining your path in life.
- Drive out of the storm. It won’t last forever. The life corollary: “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”
- Take care of the chassis and it will take care of you. A well-maintained body — whether one made out of metal or one out of flesh and blood — not only looks good, but shows the world how you view yourself.
- Accelerate into the curves. It helps maintain control by allowing your tires to keep a firm grip on the road. Same holds true when life throws you a curve…keep steady pressure on your accelerator.
- There’s a difference between “old” and “classic.” It’s all about attitude, and how you feel about it. Age is mind over matter: If you don’t mind, it don’t matter. Besides, just because a car is listed as “used”, this does not mean that it is not the perfect fit for your needs. The same goes for people too. Which reminds me, if you are looking for the ultimate place for used cars in Newton head to the Conklin Cars website.
- A well-tuned engine goes a long way. Stay healthy. It will keep you running longer.
- Enjoy the journey. Getting there should be at least as much fun as reaching your destination.
- Don’t let the idiots drive you off the road. Be aware. Stay alert. And don’t let anyone deter you from your chosen route.
- Sometimes, you’ve just got to open ’er up. Let it rip! Work hard, play hard. It’s good for the soul.
- It’s hard to worry while the wind is blowing through your hair. Be present. Enjoy the view and the ride.
- Slow down. Conversely, some things can’t be enjoyed at full speed. Know when to take your foot off the pedal.
- Leave the asphalt behind. Sometimes the best places can be found after the pavement ends.
- Dead ends can be fun, too. With driving and with life, you can find yourself at a dead end. Don’t yell at yourself. Look around; what can you see from there? Don’t forget — a dead end is just a route that doesn’t take you to where you want to go. Lesson learned.
- Always explore. Where have you not been? What new things await discovery, even in your own neighborhood?
- Park every so often and stretch your legs. As much as I love to drive, I can’t do it for more than a few hours at a stretch. For more enjoyment in life, put your activities in park for a while, take some deep breaths and see what’s out there.
- Pay attention if something doesn’t feel right. Oh my! I can’t recall the number of times my subconscious — or that “off” feeling in the steering wheel — has warned me of trouble ahead. Honor that, listen to it and deal with it right away. You’ll be glad you did.
- Get on the road regularly. It’s good for what ails you.
- Use the right fuel. Make sure your vehicle (and your body) have the right fuel to keep going strong.
Maps are your best friend
- Maps are your best friend. If you’ve got a destination in mind, you can’t beat a map. It’s an aid to get you to where you want to go, unlike electronic versions that want to tell you where to get off — even if it happens to be in the middle of a bridge. Similarly, your life also should have a plan.
- Sometimes you just need to drive. Adventure is good for the soul, too. Try a new path that you’ve never tried before. It can be amazingly restorative.
- If you get too comfortable, you can fall asleep at the wheel. My first “land yacht,” after 17 years of riding in a convertible six inches above the ground, was like driving a couch. I almost nodded off on my first long trip. Your life, too, can become too comfortable. Be sure you’re not driving off a cliff.
- Detours can be fun. So you have to take a few extra turns. So what? There’s no use getting aggravated. It doesn’t get you where you want to go any faster and just makes the journey tense and unpleasant. Go with it. You might find new and exciting things you never anticipated.
- Big engines are better. I’m sure I’ll hear from my four- and six-cylinder buddies on this one, but I’m an eight-cylinder kind of gal. I love the power and pep a big engine gladly (and quickly) gives you when you ask for it. That extra zip has gotten me out of a number of tight spots. Having a big heart is a bonus, too, which adds power not just to your life, but to others’ as well.
Happy trails! P.S. What new vistas have you discovered while looking for something else? Please share…I’d love to hear about your “road trip!”