New Years Reflection: Winter Driving

Earlier this week, we cut our cabin stay a day short. It was not an easy decision, but the weather maps were ominous. A large green blob of moisture approached from the Pacific Coast. A surge of white and negative numbers descended from the Arctic Circle. They were converging on the highway home, the day we planned to travel.

In weighing the implications, my definition of a successful trip sharpened significantly. I wanted two things, and I wanted them very much: visibility and traction. The forecast of ground fog, blowing snow, and black ice was unsettling. We headed home. As we drove, I reflected on the importance of traction and visibility in life’s larger journey. “Where am I, and where am I going?” Those are good questions for the new year.

Visibility while driving allows us to see what’s coming and adjust. We can watch for signs pointing to our destination, move around a slow truck on the grade, and avoid an elk crossing the road. Visibility in life enables us to maintain keep our goals in view, working our way through challenges and around obstacles that arise en route.

Traction while driving gives us solid contact with the road. It enables us to accelerate confidently, to negotiate a winding route, to brake smoothly to a stop when needed. Traction in our lives gives us solid contact with our deepest values. It stabilizes our journey, holding us to the path while we navigate the adventures, the growth, and the setbacks of daily life.

In preparing a fresh start for this segment of life’s journey, consider the lessons of winter driving. Where are you going? Do you have a vision of success for the year ahead? Is that vision clear enough to see the signs and take the proper exit? Can you see the potholes, the curves, the “bridge-out” warnings up ahead? If so, the chances of arriving safely are greatly enhanced.

How are you tracking? Are you solidly grounded in values and beliefs as you move forward? Do you know what you want to keep and what you want to change in the way of lifestyle habits? Do you know why it is important that you do so? If so, you will be able to stay on course when the inevitable challenges come your way.

I look forward to the journey through 2011, whatever it brings. Thanks for joining me.