No, this isn’t one of those new year, new year posts. In fact, I started thinking about it last week, which was last year, and I haven’t had a chance to put my thoughts into something coherent until now. For me, it’s always about the process, the journey, and the moments that stand out along the way.
Yes, that drives me… those moments when you feel weak and you put things out into the universe and the universe responds in the most beautiful way… like hearing a song that was on your mind play on the radio, taking a walk on the beach, seeing the most beautiful sunset or surprisingly meeting a dear friend – which has become a rarity amid the era of COVID-19 social distancing.
As I stared at my coffee-on-the-go, the drive dominated my mind – literally and figuratively. I recall when I first started working as an intern, a colleague told me, “If you can drive, you can do anything.” 20 years later and those words remain as powerful.
Driving is liberating – especially when you consider how many women are denied the right to drive by those who perpetuate patriarchy.
As a journalist, I drove the length and breadth of KwaZulu-Natal and loved every moment. I loved driving to work for the 4.30am shifts too. Then came the school run and the rush of it all, amid the daily work commute. And still, I relished it. I soaked it in all in, observing and understanding life around me as I drove.
I didn’t truly realise the role driving played in my life until I had to start working from home in March 2020. Almost two years later, and in the absence of physically driving every day, I have found strength, comfort and joy in other driving forces.
The interesting thing is that these driving forces are never static. Like the ebb and flow of life, they change. Today I can yearn to spend time with family and friends and tomorrow I can crave silence. I can listen to religious music and within minutes switch to a dance song! Yes, I talk a lot about music and the radio, not only because I work on radio – which drives me – but I have always been a huge fan of the medium.
Your driving force can be something small and simple or it can be life-changing. Someone may say – this is the year I want to make money to be happy, to travel. Another may say – this is the year I choose to be happy within and not obsess about money. Opposite ends of the spectrum, I know. I’d like to think the pandemic has made us less judgmental. I have certainly learnt to be more respectful of people’s choices and boundaries.
You could be ready to start that business, change your job, get back to studying or pop the question to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Whatever it is, give it your all, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. You know yourself best. Take charge of the wheel of your life, the way I just did by finally writing this post. Writing truly is fuel for my soul and fills my cup. I sincerely hope you find what drives you…
Such a lovely and needed post! Today was a super stressful day for me, to the point where I didn’t feel driven at all. But this right here has given me hope for tomorrow! Thank you xxx
Thank you. I’m so glad my post helped! We all have those days so it’s okay. Pick yourself up and keep doing your best!