Don't Get Eaten by Distracted Driving

    Remember that exciting T-Rex chase scene from Spielberg's 1993 hit Jurassic Park? The iconic “OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" warning label has become a well-known internet meme ever since. But unlike Jeff Goldblum, most of us will (likely) never be chased by a T-Rex while driving 40 mph in a 1992 Jeep Wrangler. But what we will often have to deal with are frequent “Jurassic Park" personalities on the road of life. 

“Must go faster!" (Jurassic Park, IMDb)

    Driving home this evening, I found myself continuously rechecking my rearview mirror, distracted by the aggressive tailgater behind me. I already have the obligatory “If y'all can read this, y'all are driving too close" bumper sticker, so my point's been made... or at least I think it has. Anyway, I've checked the box. He already knows he's transgressed the laws of general driver courtesy and American decency, right? I'm just trying to get home and I'm not in the mood to brake-check him and have to call my insurance company when he eats my bumper. Nor am I going to throw-down on the side of the road with a stranger over a 10-minute speed bump in my day. Not happening. It's just a mental battle. 

    Which got me thinking... Why? Why do we allow ourselves to waste our time, energy, and emotions over something or someone so trivial, likely harmless, and beyond our control? But more importantly: Why do we continually make the conscious decision to concern ourselves with things behind us, instead of focusing on the road in front of us...? 

    On the road of life, there will be many people behind us and beneath us who will strive hard to distract us, pull us back, and drag us down to their level. Don't let them. There will be others hurriedly frustrated by your focus and purposeful commitment to your direction and course in life. Let them pass you. You know your lane, what you're about, and where you're going. They don't matter, so stop. worrying. about them. Life has a funny way of checks and balances too. How often have you seen someone swerve and blow past you angrily only to see the same car stopped on the side of the road a few miles up? The glorious flashing red and blue of the State's finest parked behind them like karma's greatest punch-line. 

    Hindsight may be 20/20, but foresight focus has a 100% higher success rate. Sure, check your mirrors from time-to-time. That's called smart situational awareness and safe driving. But focus on what's up ahead. Take a deep breath. Dino's not going to eat you today. Focus on where you're going and how you're going to get there. Don't be distracted by the rest.