I love being a passenger or taking the backseat while somebody else is doing all the analyzing and maneuvering to ensure that we arrive at our destination safe and sound. 

I would be content to just look out the window while I allow my thoughts to stream as my view quickly changes every nanosecond.

While other people dread a long drive, I, on the other hand, can’t help but feel surprisingly relaxed and inspired after what feels like an arduous journey.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago when the passenger (that is me) has switched roles and has now become a driver.

So, I took a crash course on driving that allowed me to learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission. It only took 2 days which is just 5 hours each for a total of 10 hours of driving lessons. I can distinctly remember how my knees became wobbly and felt like it turned into Jell-O at the end of it.

As much as I didn’t want to welcome a world of driving, I had to finally embrace it and consider it what we now call as “adult-ing.”

Little did I know, I learned three valuable lessons in the course of time that I have been learning how to drive effortlessly just like a pro. It hasn’t been easy because there has been a surge of emotions both positive and negative that came along with it.

Well-meaning friends and family have coached and warned me about the dangers on the road, the unsightly bumps, dents and scratches that seem unavoidable no matter how careful one may try to be.

The first, and they say the most important lesson while driving is to learn how to be patient. By being patient, a driver can remain humble and relaxed while other motorists would fight their way to be ahead on the road. Being patient also allowed me to be courteous and consider others more than myself. I know I have let myself go at some points when I felt like I was on the “right.” But, I realized soon that I was already being self-righteous as I fooled myself into thinking I am high and mighty while I sat comfortably in a brand-new, well-maintained, air-conditioned car.

Second is, I learned to commit and by that, it meant that I need to finish what I started. Too many times, I have been tempted to just stop the car, turn off the engine and leave. Or, to let someone else take over while my heart beat wildly during traffic. DRIVING is also spelled as COMMITMENT. A commitment to always consider safety for everyone concerned and to complete the journey even while battling unfamiliar or treacherous road conditions. I had to commit to paying the mortgage on time, to save enough for gas money and other hidden expenses that usually go along with owning a vehicle. I needed to commit to maintaining the cleanliness of both the interior and exterior of the car that eats up an hour of my day. All these needed care and COMMITMENT.

And lastly, I learned how to FOCUS not only on what is head on but by looking at situations from different angles. I have to look at both sides, check for other vehicles and pedestrians alongside the road. I can put mine and the lives of others in danger if I don’t remain focused. Every second will count and a wrong move could strike a disaster that might turn into a lifetime of regret.

Although driving is not easy it also has its fair share of benefits. Otherwise, I will choose to be a passenger for the remainder of my life while I miss on adding a life skill that I may take advantage of someday. There’s always that freedom to go to different places and serve other people by driving them to their desired destination.