Driving in traffic today, I was in the far right lane of a five-lane road. A white car coming from a side road turned onto a temporary lane alongside mine that went for a block before they would have to either turn right or merge left.

 
The driver of the white car may or may not have needed to merge into the lane I was in. Nevertheless, a woman in a silver car in front of me slowed way down and waited a bit, in case the white car decided to pull over into our lane. She caused a delay for herself, me and others for no reason because the white car kept going straight and turned right.

 

Essentially, this woman caused a brief delay in traffic for something that was a possibility, but never came true.

 

The white car didn’t have their turn signal on. There was no hand waving from the window asking to be let over. The woman in the silver car was perhaps assuming, attempting to mind-read, or trying to help someone who wasn’t asking for and didn’t need her help. 

 

Assuming. Mind-reading (attempting to). Giving unsolicited help. Causing unnecessary delays. Taking real action now based on what might happen in the future. Letting fears or worries affect choices. Yikes. I have been that woman in my own life far too often.

I have let worry and fear affect my present day actions and decisions, and let potential future obstacles dictate how I drive my life today. I’ve responded to possible outcomes by putting the brakes on and proceeding hesitantly. Although everything was just fine and I could have kept moving forward, I have at times put everything on hold—just in case—to wait and see what might happen. 

 

All those unwarranted pauses and interruptions can add up to a life that is idling in neutral more often than necessary. My present day responses to possible problems don’t always just slow my life down. Like the lady in the silver car, my choices sometimes have a domino effect on those closest to me (perhaps all for nothing!).

 

I’m reminded to live my life full speed ahead, based on what I know is true and happening right now. I won’t pause at the first hint of an issue until I have solid information that would suggest I live or do something differently. And I will stay in my own lane and not try to insert myself into situations that don't require my assistance or where I haven't been invited.

 

Just for today I will live for and respond to what is and not what might be. I hope you'll come along for the ride.