Go around me, I left on time!

My alarm goes off every morning at 4:30 am. I roll out of bed, stretch, and begin my well-practiced routine. By 5 am sharp, I’m in my car, heading out for my 45-minute commute to work. I must be there by 6 am and take pride in my punctuality. It’s a calm, quiet time of day—just me, my coffee, and the open road.

The first leg of my journey is Interstate 10. Even at this early hour, the road is alive with a steady flow of vehicles. I adhere to the speed limit and am content with my well-timed departure. However, a stark contrast to my serene drive unfolds almost every day. A driver, seemingly racing against time, zooms past me, carelessly weaving between lanes. I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief. “Go around me,” I mutter, “I left on time.”

The pattern continues as I transition onto the smaller two-lane roads, LA108 and LA122. These roads are narrower, more winding, and less forgiving of reckless driving. Yet, I still encounter drivers who seem determined to shave off seconds, darting past me at dangerous speeds. Sometimes, they tailgate for a while before aggressively overtaking, their impatience palpable even through the closed windows.

“Go around me,” I repeat, my voice steady. “I left on time.”

One morning, just as the sky was lightening, I noticed a car that had sped past me earlier pulled over on the shoulder of LA122. Its hazard lights were blinking, and the driver was outside, pacing angrily and talking on their phone. I felt a mix of sympathy and validation. Sure, they might have been trying to save time, but now they were stuck dealing with a problem that wouldn’t have existed had they driven more sensibly.

Undeterred by others' impatience, I maintain my steady pace. I am familiar with my route, aware of its duration, and prioritize safety above all. As I near my workplace, I witness more instances of the morning rush—cars breezing through stop signs and drivers cutting each other off.

I felt a surge of satisfaction when I finally pulled into the parking lot at 5:45. I gathered my things, took a moment to breathe in the early morning air, and glanced at the clock on my dashboard, right on schedule. It was a small victory that reaffirmed my commitment to punctuality and safe driving.

Inside, my colleagues were arriving, some looking frazzled, others as calm as I felt. We exchanged greetings, and I settled into my routine. As I began my workday, my morning mantra echoed: “Go around me, I left on time.”

It was more than a mere statement; it was a testament to the tranquility and security I hold dear, a pledge to equilibrium in a world that often seems too rushed. I smile, ready to embrace the day, knowing I've made the right decision.