What a Difference a Day Makes

On Monday, my trek to work took the expected 12 minutes.  For no apparent reason, it took 50 minutes to travel the same distance on the way home that evening.  It always takes a few minutes longer to get home at night, but generally only about 16 or 17 minutes.  I realize that many folks have a normal commute of 50 minutes or more and that I'm most fortunate to have such a normally short time in transit.  Regardless of the length of our commute, when the time triples, it's not good. 

Thankfully the trip home on Tuesday was back to normal at 16 minutes.  My commute anomaly is a reminder that when things go awry, it may be only a temporary glitch, and a new day will restore normalcy.

It's Not About Me

My perspective about driving is evolving. So often when I'm behind the wheel I'm rushing to get to work, an appointment, a meal, a plane, a game, an event or home. Each red light, traffic snarl, aggressive driver, slow-poke driver, distracted driver, lane-cutter and obstacle is magnified to increase my angst. I've found myself looking at the clock multiple times at a red light. Pedestrians in the crosswalk when I'm trying to turn seem to move like molasses.

I realize that every other driver and pedestrian is dealing with their own need to get to their next engagement. They are doing the best that they can to manage their journey. Their actions are designed to control their own trip and they are oblivious to me unless my momentary distraction causes them angst.

When I use this captive solitary time to think, plan, pray or listen to music or a book summary my attitude improves and my stress decreases.