I drive a lot. I think it was passed through DNA from my dad to me. When thoughts jumble up in my brain, and the path forward is not clear, I get in my truck and drive.
I don't have to have a goal or destination. I just need time on the road. Somehow the drone of tires on asphalt and the wind rumbling through a rolled-down window clear channels in my mind. Sticking my arm out the window and hand surfing the air rushing by the window is therapeutic. I think people could save thousands of dollars they pay for counseling if they just drove.
Several years ago, after I'd been retired for some time, and I was struggling – not financially, but I felt as if I were losing my sense of purpose. My self-worth was at stake.
It was serendipity that my friend Dan who owned some newspapers, asked if I'd like to do some part-time work for him. That resonated.
He gave me a freelance assignment to interview one of the wealthiest people in Alabama. The gentleman lived near the southeast edge of Alabama.
That day driving for hours through the backroads of Alabama was transformative. I saw things in a new way. The interview was delightful.
During the drive home, I stopped by the road to stretch my legs. The moss hanging from the trees, and the light reflecting on the metal roof of this house built during the Great Depression did a mental reset on my malaise.
I was grateful for that day and my time on the road.
I don't have to have a goal or destination. I just need time on the road. Somehow the drone of tires on asphalt and the wind rumbling through a rolled-down window clear channels in my mind. Sticking my arm out the window and hand surfing the air rushing by the window is therapeutic. I think people could save thousands of dollars they pay for counseling if they just drove.
Several years ago, after I'd been retired for some time, and I was struggling – not financially, but I felt as if I were losing my sense of purpose. My self-worth was at stake.
It was serendipity that my friend Dan who owned some newspapers, asked if I'd like to do some part-time work for him. That resonated.
He gave me a freelance assignment to interview one of the wealthiest people in Alabama. The gentleman lived near the southeast edge of Alabama.
That day driving for hours through the backroads of Alabama was transformative. I saw things in a new way. The interview was delightful.
During the drive home, I stopped by the road to stretch my legs. The moss hanging from the trees, and the light reflecting on the metal roof of this house built during the Great Depression did a mental reset on my malaise.
I was grateful for that day and my time on the road.
My renewal is walking in the woods. Being away from the suburbs and in nature is very therapeutic but I have not been able to do this for a long time
ReplyDeleteYou should come and visit Jilda and me. We do these walks almost every day.
DeleteWith traffic in Jersey, the only hand surfing we do is exchanging a finger salute.
ReplyDeleteI need quiet time. Preferably outside.
ReplyDeleteThis approach to problem solving might work OK on the back roads of Alabama but it sure as hell doesn't on the heavily congested roads of large cities.
ReplyDeleteTry it in Birmingham next time you're there and see how well it works.
Alphie
I'm with you, the road does clear up a lot of fuzz and cobwebs. I like country roads and especially the open roads f the west.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.....
Sherry & jack
A long walk in the fresh air will do the same for me. Love the picture!
ReplyDeleteII also love being on the road, especially on our Australian outback roads. I have never had therapy but we have always felt that being on the road is all we need to relax and unwind.
ReplyDelete