What’s in your Rear-view Mirror?
We are a one-car family, and we try not to use our car too much and walk when we can. Lately, we’ve been getting behind the wheel more often with regular visits to the beach, exploring Prince Edward County, and running a seemingly endless list of errands that are not within walking distance.
Since we are not the same height, we consistently have to readjust the seat and rear-view mirrors. This usually happens a few times a day, and this ongoing annoyance got me thinking about what an excellent metaphor for life rear-view mirrors are, in addition to other aspects of driving; a clear destination and being aware of your blind spots, especially when thinking about your past, present and future.
Looking into your rear-view mirrors while driving is essential for everyone’s safety. You need to see what is happening behind you and note if anyone is tailgating you, if you are driving too slowly and causing a traffic jam, or if there are flashing red lights. This check-in is quick because you must keep your eye on the road.
Most of the time, we look forward while driving, and like life, we want to keep looking forward. It’s good to know where you have come from as this knowledge helps us decide where we are going. Your past made you who you are today and provides information about why you are who you are.
We have a propensity to live in the past, and getting stuck in the rear-view mirror of your life will ensure that you drive in circles. Too much time dwelling on the past or anticipating the future wastes energy. We can’t change the past, but we can allow it to inform and inspire us. We need to spend time in the future making plans and setting goals, but we rarely have any control over them.
It would be foolish to drive a car without rear-view mirrors, just like it would be foolish to move forward in your life without an awareness of your past.
Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area of the road outside the driver's field of vision that cannot be seen in the rear-view mirrors or through the windows. Blind spots can also be areas in your life where you have default negative emotions or reactions that you often are not aware of:
Being critical, impatient, easily offended, insensitive, judgemental or overreacting are blind spots, as well as not asking for help or not taking risks because you worry what others might think or that you can’t do it.
But notice that the rear-view mirrors are small and only provide a glimpse of what is happening.
The Windshield
The windshield is enormous and provides a large, comprehensive view of the present moment. You want it to be clear so you know where you’re going.
If the weather makes it impossible to see, you take a moment to pause, wait until the storm passes, clear the windshield, and proceed. If you continue to travel with a blocked view, you put yourself at significant risk.
I feel like I’m heading into a vortex of car analogies; flat tire, bodywork, gear up or down, put on the brakes, hit the gas, oil change, and lube job are coming to mind. I’m going to stop myself now.
Self-awareness is a crucial key to happiness and success. Utilize your rear-view to inspire and motivate your direction, not a place to think about regrets and past injustices. Learn about your blind spots so they are no longer a default reaction.
You only need to be aware of what is unfolding a few feet in front of you. Life occurs in the present moment, and everything can change in a heartbeat. Each moment is a blessing, something to cherish and be grateful for.
Adjust your mirrors, and clean your windshield, so you are aligned and moving toward what you want in life.
Be well.
Anita
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