How do you drive? How do you work/live?

Do you work/live the same way that you drive? ?? Why or why not??

I have a long commute (see my earlier post), and I constantly ponder this question about the other drivers around me. For me, the answer is, yes, my work and my life resemble my driving.?

My mechanic recently told me it's almost time to replace the brakes - the last time was over 120,000 miles ago!? ?? Why have they lasted so long?? Because I don't use them.?

Yes, I come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, and, no, I don't weave around traffic or screech tires on tight curves when using the brakes is more appropriate.

But using "brakes", especially quickly and frequently, or riding them is forcing the car (or the body) to unnaturally stop its forward motion. It is unhealthy, creating stress and wear on multiple parts and the opposite of a "break".? The healthiest way to slow down is to take the "foot off the gas" and assess the situation.?

I taught both my kids to drive, and there were 3 "rules" I emphasized to them, for driving (and life).??

1. If the car in front of you puts on their brakes and you have to immediately apply yours rather than first releasing the gas pedal, assessing the situation and preparing to apply the brakes, if needed, you are too close and too fast, regardless of the situation (even stop-and-go traffic). If I have a project or challenge (at work or in life), I encounter a roadblock, and I have to use my "brakes" immediately, I am trying to go too fast and cannot see the "big picture".?
2. Establish that safe following distance in front (and behind) as quickly and often as you can, especially if you are tired, distracted or stressed. Let people pass you, safely pass others, stay out of the "pockets" of dense traffic. It's amazing how slowing down and taking time for my self-care, especially when it seems like I have no time to spare, makes the "traffic" surrounding me disappear. Yes, it usually takes a little longer to get to my "destination" - about 2 minutes longer on an hour-long trip, according to Google Maps. ???
3. Many people "drive" like it's a race.? They're right - but I believe it's not the race they think it is.? Whoever gets to their "destination" the most often in the most fuel-efficient manner with the least wear and tear, and little to no accidents, wins. ???? "Live fast, die young" - cool for a rock song, but constant stress, quick "swerving" around obstacles and continually using the "brakes" isn't much fun in the long term for a lot of people - definitely not for me.

Being mindful and listening to my body (and my car) will hopefully lead to a long and enjoyable life for both of us. Of course, even the safest "driver" can have an "accident", possibly a deadly one - there are always things out of our control. But I'm a lot less likely to have an accident when I'm fully aware of the "traffic" situation and "driving" in my "safe following distance" (practicing self-care).?

I'm also prone to "road rage" though. It usually happens when someone unnecessarily forces me to unnaturally "brake" and stop my forward motion. I am learning to take the time to relax and take a breath (there's actually a "Relax" sticker on my dashboard and my work laptop). I tell myself - "Give the other "driver" the space they need and wish them well - you have no idea what their life situation is."? Not always easy - there are few things I find more satisfying than mashing my "horn" for a good long while. ???But the more I "drive" the quicker I am able to "let go" of the "horn".?

The metaphors and analogies in this article between my driving and my work/life are kind of ridiculous, aren't they? But if these aren't the same for you, what would happen if they were?? What if you drove and worked and lived the same way?? Which "way" would you choose?