Driving Through Life 

My life is like a special car

I have arrived at a framework for living. Let me call it “Driving through life”. It goes like this - 

My life is like a special car. It takes commands only from me, no one else. Only I am allowed to drive it, no one else.  If anyone else sits in the driver's seat and tries to drive it, that person is pushed out by an invisible force.

I am sitting in the driver's seat. There is enough gas in the gas tank. Before I start the engine I have decided where I want to go. 

I start the engine and enter the destination into the GPS. I release the brake and press the gas pedal. I follow the GPS step by step and get to my destination. 

If I follow this model, where is the problem for me? But this is an ideal scenario. In real life, a variety of problems may arise.

One problem could be: I know my destination but, I don't have the GPS. In the good old days, we had paper maps. The driver used the maps and reached the destination. After Google Maps came up, I copied the steps on paper and used it, to guide me to my destination. I did get lost sometimes. Then, I looked for the nearest gas station and asked for directions. Sometimes the local staff was there and could help me. Sometimes a non-local was there who couldn't help me. Somehow, I reached my destination by trial and error.

On the way, I stop at the stop lights and the stop signs for a few seconds or minutes or more when stuck in a traffic jam. That does not mean I lost my way. I am on the way to my destination. I will get there. 

Sometimes there is a detour and I deviate from the GPS. At some point, I get back to the GPS.

On long journeys, I take a coffee break or restroom break. I forget about my destination and enjoy the break. Though my destination is not on my mind, I am on my way.

On longer journeys, I make a night halt and resume the journey in the morning. I sleep happily. Even then I am on my way. 

Sometimes, I have a flat tire or accident. I call for help, get help, and then resume my journey. I may change my plan dramatically. Even then I am on the way to my destination. 

I think LIFE is like a car journey

The 'car of life' NEVER stops, like the clock that never stops.

I may not be alone in my car. Most of the time, there are people in it - family members, coworkers, neighbors, friends, etc., who get in and out at various places. They depend upon me to take them safely. I am not only responsible for my safety and progress but also, for their safety and progress.

I am safe on my way as long as I am looking forward most of the time and occasionally take a peek in the rear and side view mirrors. 

What will happen If I, the driver, stop looking forward but the car keeps going forward? I will meet with an accident. I may hurt myself as well as others!

I have to keep looking forward and keep moving towards my GOAL, in spite of the stops, halts, detours, and accidents that may happen on the way. 

Changing the GOAL

Let us say our family is on vacation. We planned to visit the local places of interest. I drive my family to a museum that I liked in the past. The drive was great but the museum was closed for renovation. We were momentarily disappointed. But we quickly perked up our spirits and visited a park instead. 

A similar thing may happen in educational goals and relationship goals. 

In LIFE also, we may have to change our goals if the assumptions  

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