How many times while driving do you notice your fellow travelers gazing at their cell phones while cruising through an intersection? How often do you catch yourself taking a quick glance down at that last “ding” to see what just happened on your phone?

I know personally that I catch myself expressing often, “Oh my goodness, you’ve got to be kidding me!!,” however on another drive, I’m entirely guilty of it too. That little voice inside says, “Whoa, what do you think you’re doing?,” and then the reply comes quick, “Oh, I’m being safe, it’s all good, I can check this fast and then I won’t have to deal with it later!…”

I’ve even promised myself, that I MUST lead by example and not use my phone while driving in front of my kids. (The whole “do as I say, not as I do” bit.) “What you resist persists,” stands true.

So, here’s my DECLARATION to you and my encouragement for you to join me.

Let’s swing the pendulum the other way!

We allowed our daughter to do “school of choice” for high school, which means you can choose to go to another high school, outside of your district, if they allow you to and have a spot available. That means no bus availability.

Dad = Bus.

Dad gets to drive 20 minutes each way. I know, I know, that’s probably nothing compared to most people’s commutes and I’m whining here a bit, but here’s the discovery this LOOOONNNGGGG drive made me realize.

I can get totally centered and grounded, in a semi-meditative state, while driving! I’m calm, at peace, focusing on my inhalation/exhalation, finding gratitude for my life and where I get to live, and lately saying some prayers for those in unfortunate areas (Houston).

So, obviously I’m not meditating into a numb oblivion on the verge of falling asleep, (that would be swinging the pendulum a bit too far!) I’m simply intending to be focused and grounded.

You could even get some good jams going, and find a way to incorporate that into loving your life.

Some listen to empowering podcasts while driving, some listen to an audiobook. Good stuff, right!?

What I’m getting at, is drive time, especially if you have a super long commute ( like mine 🙂 ) is ample time to build the life you love.

So say goodbye to the cell phone and say hello to the good stuff! Give it a try with me and maybe we’ll pass each other smiling in a peaceful, grateful state, rather than have our heads looking down at our technologically advanced connection to the outside world!

A radio announcer astutely said, “Honk if you love Jesus. Send him a text if you want to meet him”.