The freeway off-ramp, my unexpected teacher

Life lessons and reminders about what’s truly important often come from unexpected sources. This was my experience recently while driving home from a client session.

I exited the jam-packed 405 Freeway using the two-lane Culver Boulevard off-ramp. As the sign shows, a legal right-hand turn can be made from either lane, and I was in the left lane intending to make a right turn.

I was very hungry, and thanks to drinking a large bottle of water, I needed to get home quickly. The light turned green, and the car in front of me, signaling a left turn, was moving painfully slow, pushing my patience and comfort to their limit.

While chastising the driver for holding me up, I entered the intersection—and it was time for my lesson.

I started turning when another car in the right lane suddenly sped by, barreling straight through the intersection. I braked hard, avoiding impact with millimeters to spare. As the sign shows, the speed demon’s move was quite illegal.

My heart rate skyrocketed, knowing that I’d narrowly avoided a collision that would have, at the very least, damaged my car significantly, or even landed me in the hospital. I’m sure the drivers who witnessed my near-miss had the same thought.

I completed my turn, caught my breath, and said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you” for the remainder of the trip home. Ironically, lunch and the restroom were long forgotten—maybe because my brain was consumed with giving the lion’s share of my impromptu gratitude to the slow-poke driver who had inadvertently and fortunately slowed me down.

Arriving home, I reflected on this experience and the three lessons it’s offered.

First, something we perceive as “bad” may bring a positive outcome. Were it not for the driver’s snail-like pace, which had irritated me beyond reason, I’d have started my turn sooner, guaranteeing a collision.

Second, patience and presence, especially when behind the wheel, are invaluable. Irritation and anger over things we can’t control, like other drivers, spike our stress hormones, which compromise emotional regulation and decision-making. Also, had I been the least bit distracted at that moment, my car would be in the body shop, and I might be in a neck brace or worse and unable to work.

Third, life can be upended in the blink of an eye. When things are going smoothly, recognize and appreciate it, striving not to take anything for granted. This includes safe drives to and from destinations.

From now on, the Culver Boulevard off-ramp, my unexpected teacher, will serve as a frequent and welcome reminder of these important lessons.

Like me, you’ve probably been served some life lessons from unexpected sources. I’d love to hear about them. And if any additional takeaways from my experience strike you, let me know your thoughts.