LESSONS IN A CORVETTE: YOUR ATTENTION GOES WHERE YOUR ENERGY FLOWS
What I was thinking was, “Holy crap, I can’t wreck his car.” (Funny that I wasn’t worried about our lives.) I started taking inventory....
I can't move my hands off the wheel to wake my dad. I tried calling his name but I wasn't successful. I didn't dare wreck his car!
After some time I hear a voice. No not God’s, but at that moment the next best thing - my dad's! “How you feeling Anna?” he asked. “NOT GOOD DAD IM EITHER GOING TO HIT THAT BARRIER OR THAT SEMI IS GOING TO HIT ME. THERE IS SOMEONE ON MY BUTT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!” I took a breath and then, “DAD, THIS CAR IS SO SENSITIVE AND SQUIRRELY I'M AFRAID TO DO ANYTHING AND WHAT DO I DO IF THE SEMI TURNS INTO US?" After a little more discussion, we both realized what I was really frightened of: the choice the other driver might make. The possibility of the semi driver turning into us and I had no control over that. I clearly wasn't focusing on what I could control. After a few moments (and a few deep breaths on my part, and my dad said "Anna?" “Yes, Dad?” “Keep your eyes where you want to go. Focus on what you can control and you will get where you want to go.” "Okay… What?” "You have no control over what he might do so don’t focus on that. Keep looking to where you want to go and follow your own path. Your own decisions will guide you to the outcome, not the decisions of someone else." "Dad?" I said.
"Yes grub?"
"I understand. Right now I want to focus on getting off the highway but I feel stuck."
He laughed and said, "Okay then let's make it happen... I believe in you and I know you believe in yourself because you got behind the wheel in the first place. So let's get out of here and get something to eat!" As easy as that he helped me come up with a plan and take action. Within a few minutes I was safely out of the driver's seat. I did learn a valuable lesson. Well, three, really. 1) Keep your eyes where you want to go. 2) Even when you may think you're stuck there is always a solution. 3) I could always count on my dad for wisdom and unlimited belief in me, even if I lacked it myself.
I've used this lesson in my life many many times. Sometimes I forget, that is true, but the times I remember I always succeed. I hope that you can remember this lesson too and always TRY to keep your eyes where you want to go.