The journey to peace of mind and happiness involves taking charge of my life and getting into the driver’s seat. It involves learning from my setbacks and celebrating my achievements. It means taking control of my life whatever my circumstances.
Too many people just want to go along for the ride. They expect to climb on board, settle comfortably into the passenger seat, staring out the window and not worry about a thing until they get to their destination. They don’t think about all the work that goes into getting to their destination.
Life is too short to allow anyone else to be behind the wheel of my car. I am the one in control. I am the one who needs to be in control. I can’t expect anyone else to do everything for me.
Getting in the driver’s seat means I get to choose whether I want to be in the fast lane or the slow lane. (I know what I prefer!) It means that I must decide what gives my life purpose and meaning. I decide what I need to do for an authentic, happy existence. I know when to step on the gas and when to decelerate. I switch lanes when necessary. I fill up the tank. And I’m always aware of the traffic around me.
What would you say if I asked who is in command of your life? Who is steering the wheel? Are you in the driving seat or do you feel more like a passenger in a taxi? Have you got a full tank of gas or are you running on empty?
I used to give my power away too easily. Growing up, I wanted to fit in so badly that I’d suppress what I truly thought and felt. I channelled all my energies into moulding myself into someone who was accepted by the crowd.
The result was that I felt depleted, frustrated, and unsatisfied. Instead of being true to my own needs, I was desperately trying to be worthy in the eyes of others.
Once I began to invest in myself and celebrate my individuality, I found that I stopped worrying about what everyone else thought. I began a journey to freedom that has been ever-expanding and continually rewarding.
I put my foot on the gas as I meant it. Am I driving or just cruising? I got clarity on my destination. I prepared for detours but didn’t get thrown off by them. I kept my focus ahead of me. I put both hands on the wheel and moved forward with purpose and intention. I put on my feel-good songs and saw the light turn green and zoomed off.
I put on my oxygen mask first. There’s a reason why we are told this on flights. It’s not possible to help and assist others if I am lacking the vital ingredients that I need to not only survive but thrive. Take care of me. It’s not selfishness, it’s self-preservation.
I ensure my belief system is one that truly resonates with me. Don’t believe something to be true just because I’ve read it or watched it. Much of what I am taught is based on the beliefs of others. Don’t be spoon-fed. Listen to my gut. My soul wants to seek its truth. Let it.
I let go of excess baggage. If I’m weighed down with old emotions, then it’s time to release what no longer serves me and travel light on this journey. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, just unfurl my fingers and let go. Notice how much lighter it feels and how liberating it is to cut the binds.
I check in with myself regularly. My human experience offers such an array of growth and learning. What was right for me at one point in my life does not work for me today. Change is a positive thing and I dare to steer the wheel to a new path. I say yes to each adventure.
I say no to people or places that drain my energy. If I feel like my interactions with an individual or a group of people leave me feeling drained and depleted, then I take a step back. Maybe it’s a small step back, maybe it’s a big one. The key is to create enough space to give me a chance to refuel. Then I can reflect on whether I want to keep my distance or not.