But tonight, she did it! She conquered her fear and drove on the smooth highway that was a straight shot and 5 mins faster to get home. As we were cruising along, I had a thought...
How many times is the path in front of me very easy and yet, I take the long way around? Maybe because I'm scared of the other cars on the road. Maybe because I've gotten used to taking it slow and am afraid of going fast. Maybe just because it's unfamiliar. So I continue to drive the road that curves and winds, dodge the kids on bikes and families with strollers. I'm even even willing to deal with the stop signs every 1/4 mile.
Just so I can avoid the highway.
But when I do and the music is blaring and the windows are down (unless it's summer in Texas--then it's much better for the AC to be crankin), there's a freedom that envelops my whole body. A joy that comes with the speed. A feeling of being untethered.
And it IS worth tackling my fear.
So if you happen to wave at me when we are out and about on the road, I may not see you because I'll be singing "Life is a Highway" at the top of my lungs.
