When you spend twenty-five hours on I-80 you have lots of time to think. I play games like checking out the license plates of the passing cars and making up stories about those traveling the never ending interstate. While on the road I also pay attention to billboards, flora and fauna, and the driving habits of others. On my way to New Jersey I noticed that the big eighteen-wheelers were having more trouble driving than I had previously experienced.
Following these big rigs I noticed (this time) that a higher proportion of them were having trouble staying in their lanes (not comforting for someone driving a Honda Element). I watched as many of these big rigs drifted into other lanes and the trailers seeming to have a mind of their own. It made me consider how experienced the drivers were and if they were taking all the road conditions into consideration as they made their way across the country.
It wasn’t a huge leap to begin thinking about how each of us is our own big rig driver covering many miles both figuratively and literally throughout our lives. There are times in our lives when we incur adverse conditions creating a heavier than usual load that we haven’t been trained to manage. It shouldn’t be a surprise that during those times we too seem to swerve across lanes in our lives.
When life presents itself with interruptions it is necessary to follow the road signs. You may have to make detours because your “normal” way of living life has new conditions that need your attention. It’s imperative that you learn how to navigate the interstate of your life with this new load. You may have to learn new skills to accommodate the changes. These life interruptions may ask you to take time to adjust to the new conditions requiring you to slow down, take notice, and make the necessary adjustments to stay on course.
As the driver of your life big rig you decide the load you take on, and decide where and when to off-load the cargo. Find ways to stabilize your rig! You can learn new life big rig skills by joining a support group, finding a coach to help you navigate the highways of life, or a spiritual director to help you avoid that big pothole life has placed before you. No matter what you choose, know that learning to handle the load will increase your sense of peace. It will give you the tools you need to overcome adversity!
Looking for education, support, and inspiration as you navigate life’s highway? Visit http://www.survivingstrong.com
Want to explore creative ways of keeping yourself on the road of your health and healing journey? Visit http://www.timetolivecreatively.com
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Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 