Finding Freedom On The Road Behind The Wheel
There’s a certain kind of magic that comes with driving and the feel of freedom on the road. For me, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B.
It’s about feeling the wind of freedom in my hair and the open road calling my name. Let me tell you, in a world that feels like it’s spinning faster every day, there’s nothing quite like the peace I find when I’m behind the wheel, doing my own thing, and just letting go.
Let’s take it back to the beginning of my driving journey and my first feel of freedom on the road.
I learned to drive in Houston, Texas—and honey, if you’ve ever been there, you know it’s sink or swim. You either go 90 miles an hour, or you’ll get run over. When I was just starting out, I got run off the road a few times by big trucks and even bigger egos. Scary? Oh, you bet.
But it taught me fast. In cities like Houston, the speed limit is more of a suggestion than a rule. I had to adapt to survive, and survive I did.
As I’ve grown older and traveled to different cities and states, I’ve noticed just how different driving is everywhere you go. Take West Palm Beach, for example. Let’s just say, if you’re not ready to make a dozen U-turns to get to the other side of the road, you might as well stay home.
It’s chaotic, and while I can handle it, I much prefer the quiet, less crowded roads of small-town Tennessee. There, I can find my groove on the interstate, adjust my music, and feel the pure bliss of solitude on the open road.
The Joy of Freedom on the Road: Lessons from a Seasoned Driver
That weekly drive to Dickson, Tennessee? It’s my therapy.
It’s where I leave behind the world’s noise and just…breathe. The world today moves so fast it makes my head spin. Sometimes I long for the days when things felt simpler. When people weren’t so caught up in greed and life moved at a slower, kinder pace.
That’s why these rides are so important to me; they’re a reminder that freedom on the road still exists, even if you have to go looking for it.
Of course, driving isn’t just about enjoying the ride; it’s also about staying safe. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that might help you navigate the road a little smarter and a lot safer:
- Lead or Follow, but Don’t Get Caught in the Middle: Staying in the pack might save you from tickets, but if safety’s your goal, it’s better to lead the way or hang back. Both give you more time to react if something goes wrong.
- The 10-Second Rule: Always keep at least 10 seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. It’s the buffer you need for unexpected stops or emergencies up ahead.
- Scan the Horizon: Never just look straight ahead. Constantly scan the road and its edges to watch for wildlife, debris, or anything else that might dart into your path. This trick saved me countless times when I was driving for Railcrew Express in Texas. Deer don’t exactly check for traffic, so you’ve got to stay sharp.
Speaking of Railcrew Express, driving those train engineers and conductors across Texas taught me patience and vigilance. Long hours on the road through deer-populated areas really honed my skills. And those 8-hour drives to Longview? They taught me the importance of preparation and mindfulness.
So, here’s my truth: the freedom I feel on the road is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the moments of quiet joy in the middle of a busy life. If you haven’t taken the time to hit the open road and find that freedom for yourself, I’d say it’s time to grab those keys, turn up the music, and go.
Trust me, the road has plenty to teach you if you’re willing to listen.
