My recent college graduate daughter pointed out an interesting observation to me the other day. She noticed people passing her more often when she drives her car. She can be going the same speed in the same location, but a significantly larger number of cars pass her if she isn’t in my car. Why could this be? Well, I think it all boils down to perception.
Driving What You Have Until You Have the Car You Want
My car is a nice, shiny, newer car. It isn’t overly pricy but is a reputable brand and in great condition. My daughter’s vehicle is mostly reliable and does the job. It is an older model with a few signs of wear and tear. Although I must say, the previous owner took great care of the car interior. Still, now and then, something breaks off or comes loose and must be repaired. It certainly isn’t the car of her dreams, but it gets her where she needs to be.
Passing Old Cars
So why are people passing her little, old, fixer-upper? I think we are all a little guilty of seeing an older model car and making assumptions. This must be an elderly driver. The driver of such an old worn-out vehicle must not be competent enough to hold a good job. We may think to ourselves, “What a hunk of junk!” Surely this is some low life. Or possibly, we subconsciously remember ourselves driving “THAT car.” Oh NO! This is a teenager. Look out! Who knows what will happen? Pass the car fast!
Driving Blind
I sure had my fair share of sketchy cars. When my husband and I were attending college in Georgia, we attempted to drive home to Virginia a few times. One time we hit a downpour. Struggling to see through the front windshield, my husband leaned forward. The wipers were on full blast and doing their darndest to help us see. Suddenly, the driver-side wiper made one last clean sweep before zipping out of its socket. It flew over the top of the car and into oblivion. We were driving blind. My husband stuck his head out the window. Pelted by chunky blows of water, he managed to safely guide the car to the next exit. Thankfully, a nearby service station stocked Rain-ex. We treated the windows and were able to make it to my parents. That was one hair-raising ordeal!
The Mafia Comes to Church
We went through one period where we were relying on “granny cars” for transportation. Don’t get me wrong. Little old church ladies are well known for keeping their cars in tip-top shape. It just so happens, at the time, the old lady’s car of choice was more like a boat or tank. We drove huge, long, Buicks carrying our new family of four. I once had a church member tell me every time she saw my family pull into the parking lot, she felt like the mafia was coming to church. She wasn’t wrong. I mean, NO… we are in no way affiliated with any mafia! LOL, But the big car did appear a bit daunting and mysterious.
A Debt-Free Ride
I didn’t let the church lady’s comments bother me too much. You see, we had something a lot of other people didn’t have. We were driving to church debt free. Amongst the 80% or more shiny, new off-the-lot cars driving down the same roads as us, our cars were paid for in full! That freed up money for other things we needed. We never, not once, even to this day have had a car payment. Having that peace of mind is enough to forgive, and even pity the sporty new car drivers zipping by in the passing lane.
I Drove THAT Car and So Can You!
Why are we talking about cars on a home-improvement blog? Well, you see, it is all about a state of mind. My blog and YouTube Channel are all about creating the life you want by using the things you have. We work with what we have now to have a better future. Part of that means dealing with things that aren’t exactly what we hope for at the moment. The good news is that it does pay off in the end. As my daughter is learning, the best cars don’t necessarily get the driver ahead in life. If you are driving “THAT car,” I can relate to you. If you are the one passing “THAT car,” well, I guess I have been on that side as well.
Keep on Driving
Whatever car, house, furniture, lawn, clothes, or life you have right now, keep on driving! Be thankful for what you DO have and make it work the best you can for yourself and your family. Better days are coming. The sacrifices you make now are preparing you for a brighter future. You will reap your rewards. Until that time comes, and even thereafter, I want to help you create the life you want using the things you have. After all, no matter which car we drive, we are all going to the same places.
~Lora Lea
