Reflections of “E”: Sometimes you just need drive

The sunlight was streaming in through the open sunroof and bouncing off of my face. A rush of air from outside mixed with the air from the air conditioner creating a refreshing breeze. The radio played and the bass lightly thumped.

At times, I would even sing along with a voice that even my mother doesn’t love. The engine seemed to purr and respond to every light touch to the gas pedal. I even laughed at some of the ridiculous songs on satellite radio. Those 200 miles flew by, and I found myself feeling more relaxed than I had all week. The next car I would love to drive! (Infiniti G37 convertible)

In the midst of stress and craziness, a simple drive seems to relax me. I believe that I’m not alone in that. What’s so magical about a drive? First, it’s genuine “me” time. Next, the music can have an emotional effect. It can echo your anger, hurt, frustration or sooth by being relaxing or inspirational. I still chuckle because I used to listen to “Whoop That Trick” every morning on the way to work when I hated my job. LOL. There’s also something musical about the sound of an engine to me. The actual act of driving forces you to focus on something other than stress. The drive doesn’t even have to be long to make you feel better.

One of my favorite things about taking a drive for stress relief or just plain old pleasure is that it is accessible and low cost. During this time of increased stress and decreased financial resources, we all must identify ways to get uplifted that are practical. Driving may not do it for you, but I’m sure there is something that does. I urge all of us to find ways to lower our stress or have fun without breaking the budget or needing some elaborate plan. You have to make an active effort to insert relaxation into your schedule.

You can do it! Take a drive or do what makes you feel more relaxed. Whatever it is, do it. The world is too wound up, and it’s just not healthy. Living is about action, and you have to be proactive about your own happiness.

Much nub (Thinking about opening up my ride on the highway, which I can’t do because it’s speeding. A girl can still dream, right?),

Dr. G