This morning I am writing from the passenger seat of a truck heading up the 5 freeway to visit my in-laws who live in Carmel, California. It’s usually about a 5 1/2 hour drive, more or less, from where we live in Southern California. My partner and I have been together for almost 15 years now so I’ve done this drive with him at least 50 times. It’s become one of those drives where you know when to transition or turn even before you see a road sign. Yet each time I look out the window or snap out of my driving coma, I notice something new. It might literally be a new building that’s been constructed since our last visit, but many times it looks like something that’s been there for quite some time. I just never noticed it because I was scrolling through social media or my mind was wandering as I took my turn driving up this familiar road.
It’s been almost a year now since we’ve done this trip because COVID has kept us distanced from my husband’s family. Today I’m going to do my best to be present, pay attention, notice the things that have been waiting to be seen since we’ve been gone.
It is funny how when you are driving a road you haven’ t driven on in a while is something is new or out of place it somehow signals your brain that something is different although that different may not be immediately clear. Enjoy your trip and your visit.
I drive the road to my mom’s house, 90 minutes, every weekend. Most weekends I see something I have never seen before. It’s crazy!
The oh so blue sky which stretches on forever!
Enjoy your visit.
Funny you should mention. I travel down I-55 to see my family in St. Louis – so much so that my gray subaru takes me there without me even thinking about it. But you’re right – especially with what has been taken away for so long, I’m hoping to be as present as I can, when I can. Thank you for the reminder.
Being present and mindful is all one can ask, but in the car and with relationships! 🙂 I’m thankful you can go visit your in-laws and wish you a wonderful visit!
And enjoy those “when did that get there” moments you’ll have on the trip up and back. Seeing “new” things is always so much fun!
I love your last line “notice the things that have been waiting to be seen since we’ve been gone.” It’s easy to drive on “autopilot” or let everything blur away. Being in the moment seems to take more practice now, at least it does for me. Enjoy the drive.
Love this reminder to stay fully present and observant, even of (particularly of) roads already traveled.
Xx