Life is a lot of things, but it isn’t always satisfactory. Nonetheless, we have a proclivity for finding joy in the trivial. These small things, whether pecuniary or recreational, keep us going through life. We can’t list all the ways that these small things bring us joy but we sure pin them down. Driving is one of those small pleasures that makes us all thankful to be alive. It nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.
According to studies, it can be advantageous to our mental health — particularly as we age. Further research has revealed that 62 per cent of people drive for pleasure, not only to get from one place to another.
So, have you ever wondered why we like to drive so much?
- It’s the only true sense of freedom we ever have in our life. It gives us the flexibility to visit locations we’ve never seen before or see things we’ve never seen before. The possibilities are unlimited, and it all begins with the press of a button or the flip of a key.
- Driving is as much about the emotional experience as it is about the sense of adventure and freedom. It’s about how the car/bike feels in your hands, how it vibrates through the wheel, and how the engine sounds. It’s about the excitement you get when you grip the bike or car’s gear.
- The thrill of the chase is a big part of why we enjoy driving so much. When you’re driving, the world appears smaller and more pleasant. The thrill of exploring new areas, as well as the option to just plan and go on road trips, is one of life’s most incredible experiences. If you haven’t taken a road trip with your family or friends, you haven’t lived.
- The other major attraction is racing. It’s all about getting to your destination as quickly as possible while competing with your buddies.
- A unique way to interact with your loved ones. Face-to-face engagement is vastly different from car-to-car interaction. When you’re on the road, all social and economic inequalities fade away. We’re all out there, doing our thing, trying to get anywhere while continuing to live our awesome/awful lives, and connecting with one another.
- Time for “Me”. When I’m driving on a clear, pretty straight freeway on cruise control, I can typically zone out and “think.” Just a bunch of odd stuff. It doesn’t matter whether it’s relevant or not! During those “time lost driving” moments, I may think, analyse, and often solve problems.
- Driving is a great way to learn patience. There will always be those who will flout the rules and, in general, irritate you. As a reason, it is up to me to follow the law and not imperil the lives of innocent people.
- Discipline is another something that driving teaches us. It teaches us how to cause havoc and injure or kill someone if we aren’t paying attention. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and no matter how horrible my day/week/month is, I always remind myself to be considerate and kind to other drivers.
- I get a sense of control when I’m driving. For those few hours, I can practically steer my way through life; wherever I want (of course, barring accidents). I’m in charge of how the vehicle drives and how I react to the world around me. I don’t believe life is that simple, but it is when I’m driving.
While driving, we are more concerned with the events unfolding in front of us than with the mechanical components of our vehicle. And, because the scenery changes so frequently, our lives appear to be dynamic, full of opportunities that have yet to be discovered. It clears your mind, allowing you to observe and comprehend the world in a more realistic manner.
Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer!