I discovered a way to survive heavy traffic!
Though I learned to drive in California and was used to busy traffic, I’ve lived in rural Idaho for over 30 years and have enjoyed the slower pace.
Needless to say, I don’t like traffic.
So, while recently returning from a trip out of state, I was dreading the upcoming stretch of interstate that is known for its full and fast lanes of driving.
Stop and go traffic lasts for hours. Road construction seems to be ever present. Add weather conditions and lots of people on the road and what normally takes an hour to travel extends to two hours or longer.
As I neared this busy section of freeway, it became obvious we’d be hitting rush hour.
I knew being upset would not help. In fact, it could create problems.
Instead, I put in place the following plan of action.
Set the intention that all would go smoothly.
I visualized how I wanted the experience to go, i.e. the continual flow of traffic, the wise choices and safety of all drivers, the positive outcome.
Stated positive affirmations such as
I have the skill and experience to drive in heavy traffic.
I find this drive exciting and invigorating.
I thrive on the energy of movement and motion.
Driving in traffic is enjoyable.
Have a 17-year-old daughter in the car with you.
What? Yes. This was the secret ingredient. If you don’t have a 17-year old daughter, you can imagine one like mine.
As I took a deep breath, set my intention and stated my affirmations, my daughter excitedly exclaimed. “Yay! The traffic is slowing down!”
In my surprise, I asked why and she replied, “Now I can air drop memes to people in the cars next to us!”
The whole idea of finding fun in a traffic jam caught me off guard and made me laugh.
And I continued to laugh long after she had finished her attempts (it didn’t work but she tried), and had fallen asleep.
I held my own through the busy traffic and recognized that all went well. There were no close calls and I actually had fun!
I may not have my 17-year-old daughter with me the next time I hit heavy traffic, but I know that the steps of creating a positive experience do work.
– Set the intention.
– Declare the affirmations.
– Remember the light-hearted enthusiasm of making a drive fun.
With love,
