It's a Friday afternoon, and I'm hitting the highway home from the greatest college town in the world, Gainesville, Florida.
A familiar scenario, and a drive that's become second-nature to me. Two hours of rolling down the highway with my music on; a strange sense of peace and relaxation sinks in, keeping frustrations with the occasional crazy, reckless drivers down to a minimum.
Yes, it's a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of life, a perfect chance for an outgoing introvert such as myself to sit back and unwind.
There's not much to see though...you've got some cows, horses, trees, and the ever-present billboard advertisements. Other than that, I'm alone with my thoughts, free.
But there's a strange phenomenon about the highway. I find myself weaving in and out of lanes, passing slow drivers and letting fast drivers pass me. That's when I get to thinking...what's with drivers, and what are they thinking? And that's when I realized that there's SO much more to the three-laned road that brings me home.
For starters, you've got the fast lane. People rushing to get from one place to the next, pushing 15mph over the speed limit, with no regard or concern about being flagged down by the cops. Impatience, ambition, a strong desire to get moving. Not living in the present moment, but constantly craving the next.
I find myself in this lane sometimes, but I always move over when those forward thinkers come right up behind me, as if to say "I've got somewhere to be. I've got a life to live and you're holding me back." They ache for thrills, and they live for taking risks. Sure, they might slow down if they do get a speeding ticket, but despite the angst you feel toward them, you have to admire their sense of future, and the way they boldly book it down the interstate to get there.
Next, you've got the right lane. The slower track, people who are in no rush whatsoever. The people who take great care, perhaps wanting to enjoy the ride more than the destination. This lane is usually filled with truck drivers, and the stereotypical elderly age bracket (whose faith in the young drivers has long since been lost). They'll keep both hands on the wheel, in full control of their destiny. There will be no risks for them. Keep their job trucking groceries and goods, or keep their sanity by avoiding the speeders and tailgaters. 5-10mph under the speed limit is okay, because what's all the hurry?
Many highways are two-laned. The drivers must choose their fate: be fast and be free, or take time and slow down. But the best kind of highways are the ones with a middle lane...something that falls in between, where a choice can be compromised.
The middle lane. That's my favorite place to be. 21 years old and two speeding tickets under my belt...not my proudest accomplishment. I love taking risks sometimes, but my heart still jumps out of my chest every time I see a cop car. I enjoy the drive, but don't want to be slowed down. I can have both when I'm in the middle.
The middle is a melting pot. You've got your mix of all types of drivers. Yet, you're constantly feeling pressure to move to the right or the left...the rush of traffic on both sides can induce a minor wave of claustrophobia. But you can have your way in the middle. Weave around the slower traffic, or let the fast drivers pass you...it's all fine. No one is mad that you're too fast or too slow, people will just move on, and that's the beauty of it all.
The middle lane allows your course of travel to be flexible. And when you live your life like that...in the center of the world, taking in everything around you, and learning to adapt...that's when I believe you're living to the fullest. You don't have to pick a side. You may drift a little, but the appeal of the middle is so inviting...it's hard to stay away for long, for me, at least.
So next time you're driving home, or driving anywhere, and you find yourself on an interstate, think about these things. Forget about the destination, but take pleasure in keeping up with the pace, observing the movement around you. That's the most refreshing part about driving, and a sure way to break the monotony of a long trip. Move around, explore the fast and the slow, but always come back to the middle...for it is there that you can always strike a deal.
