This morning I was on my way to work when a driver in another lane nearly sideswiped my car. Thankfully, I’m a quick thinker. I grabbed control of my wheel, steadied the car and did everything in my power not to careen into a nearby tree.
After whispering a thank you to the Heavens for sparing my life and sitting still long enough to allow my heartbeat to slow to a normal pace, I had a thought: this is why it’s so important for people to say in their lane. There could be serious consequences if you try to get into someone’s lane, intentionally or unintentionally.
In track and field, athletes are often disqualified if they step on the line or enter another runner’s lane. I would imagine it’s the worst feeling in the world, especially if that runner was a top finisher.
In The Bahamas, it’s not unusual to see horses on Bay Street wearing blinders. The surrey drivers do this because they don’t want their horses to get distracted or spooked by what they see beside or behind them.
In life, we get so distracted that we end up doing things that harm ourselves and at times, others. At times, we need to metaphorically put on blinders.
Doing so will keep us focused on reaching our proper destination or achieving the goals we set out for ourselves.
How many times have we done something that we really love, but the moment we see something positive happening for somebody else we immediately change our focus and start doing what they’re doing, abandoning ours in the process?
Doing so causes us to miss out on great opportunities because we’re so busy chasing somebody else’s dreams or goals. The results could be disastrous.
I thank that driver who nearly hit me this morning. Even in the midst of a near collision, I was able to get perspective about life. I hope you do, too.
