Road Warrior.
It takes a moment to realize my jaw is tight.
Then I sit quietly at the stop light, using biofeedback techniques to chill out, and wonder how many other people go through their day just getting angrier and angrier until …
Until what, exactly? They work out their frustrations at the gym? They drink? They take it out on their loved ones? They snap?
Yes. Some of the above. All of the above. I watch the news. I see it.
On a day when no less than three other drivers nearly take me and my car out in a 20 minute trip, I wonder when my time will come. I worry that one day I will indeed – and finally – lose my shit out there. I picture the chase, following the most heinous of offenders down to protest their actions behind the wheel. Probably setting myself up to get shot in the process.
Breathe … 2 … 3 … 4 …
I yell at them, every day and loudly, in my tiny metal box. They can’t hear me. This is probably a good thing.
… 5 … 6 … breathe …
At least I see them. At least I anticipate their moves. At least I am aware of every car around me out there on the road. At least I manage to avoid the stupidity.
… 7 … 8 … 9 …
The next driver may not.
Hours later, I pull over to allow an ambulance to go by, marvel at the other drivers who didn’t bother to do the same, and suddenly am filled with relief.
The ambulance isn’t coming for me. Not today. Not yet. Not as long as I see you.
Would that you paid 1/2 the attention.
Be careful out there.