Why Driving Is a Perfect Metaphor for Living
Soul Letter #37
Hello👋 folks, Shubham here.
I am back with another edition of Soul Letter 🗞
I carefully avoided driving for the past 25 years, depending upon the mercy of friends, cousins, cabs, or public transport for conveyance. However, I realized it is a bullet that no longer can be dodged. Therefore, I took a mid-year resolution to learn to drive.
Yesterday was the first time I drove from my office to home while my dad sat on the front passenger seat (a.k.a., shotgun). He was beaming with pride because he had given up hope, his firstborn will never let him experience this joy. There was also a shallow reason behind his smirk, he no longer has to sacrifice his weekends to buy home groceries (I am the new scapegoat, so wish me luck).
Regardless, learnings applicable while driving a car can be applied to life. My life might have been less arduous had I learned it earlier (and I would have saved money wasted on cabs).
1. There Are Countless Routes to A Destination
Each day, my dad takes the same route from home to work and back home. Oddly I take a different route while driving, yet the source and destination remain the same in both scenarios.
Mathematically, there are numerous path combinations available between the two points. You can choose any route as per your whim.
In life, the source is birth and the destination is death. All of us will reach our destination irrespective of our route. We are permitted to take any path as per our liking.
2. Everybody Drives at Their Own Pace
My dad’s average speed is 30–40 miles per hour whereas I drive at an average speed of 20–30 miles per hour (my motto is, “speed thrills but kills”).
Eventually, the speed of the journey doesn’t really matter (yes, we do reach our destination 10 minutes earlier when my dad drives). The point is each individual has their own speed. If you keep moving in the right direction, you will reach your destination.
The same applies to life, some people achieve success fast while others might struggle a little. But if you keep moving even at a lower speed(20–30 miles per hour) you’ll end up achieving your goals.
3. At Times You Need To Overtake
While driving if the people ahead are going slow, you usually overtake them. Honking is another option but we are against noise pollution so overtaking is our go-to method.
In life too, we outgrow ourselves, our job, our friends, our surroundings. In order to move forward, we have to overtake others. That someone might include a past version of yourself.
We might have to move to a new country for a job or maybe try out a side hustle.
4. Reverse Option Is Our Guardian Angel
As a novice driver, I pay complete attention when I drive. At times I am so engrossed in driving that I end up taking a wrong turn. Eventually, we have to reverse to get back on right track.
I make mistakes and reverse allows me to rectify them.
We take many decisions in life. Some turn out to be good, some do not! In hindsight, it is always easy to criticize for lack of judgment. However, remember the power of the reverse option. If we make a wrong career choice or get into a toxic relationship, we can take a step back to get back on the right track.
5. Each Car Needs a Fuel
It doesn’t matter you own an electric, petrol or diesel car. Each requires corresponding fuel that generates energy to run the car.
We, human beings also need fuel to keep moving in life. For some of us, the driving force may be career aspirations and for others, it could be taking care of loved ones. Being healthy and fit also adds to the confidence which helps us push the bar a little more every day
Find what fuels you (and periodically keep refueling or recharging depending on, your life is petrol or electric car).
6. The Best Part of the Journey Are Co-Passengers
My dad and cousins are my usual co-passengers (Due to Covid I do not meet my friends regularly). Sometimes while riding with them, listening to good music, the moment feels complete. Life feels complete. As we reach our destination (usually my office or home) I wish it could have lasted a little longer.
We come across multiple people in the journey of life. We call them family, friends, acquaintances. Some mean more than others. These are our co-passengers in life.
Driving solo is pleasurable but driving with your squad, jamming to your favorite music feels amazing. It’s exciting. No wonder that road trips are perceived as fun.
Final Thoughts
Everyone should learn to drive. Driving a car is a lot like living a life, both have many identical fundamentals.
Choose any route.
Go at your own speed.
Overtake if need be.
Reverse is a viable option.
Find your fuel.
Co-passengers make the journey memorable
Everybody has a different journey. Everybody has a different path, and you don’t really know what to expect. All you know is to just keep plugging away, and you hope something will come through and something will happen.
Hope you enjoyed this edition.
Signing off for today :) Until next time, Houdoe! 🙋♂️
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A very interesting perspective!!