Monday, October 18, 2010

The highway of life- An Esther Ajayi-Lowo's Reflection

Life is a highway, and we are all drivers. You live the way you drive; you drive the way you live. are only safer when u are learning...the better u become, the more risks u take Sometimes we choose a new lane and we are either contented or disappointed. Some stay put while others would change again and again, bearing the risks associated, if and when there are any. Some would even regret. When u change a lane, u never stop to monitor others who maintained it because you want to be sure that your choice is wise. You somehow keep a track of your colleagues to measure your achievements...on the highway of life.

We are not able to choose people who drive around or ahead of us....a likeness of our inability to choose our parents or relatives. But we have the choice to overtake, balancing the pros and cons, and taking responsibilities for outcomes...good or bad. Beware of envoy, but it can be pleasantly fast. The choice is yours. Always watch your back. For a good driving habit...the back is as important as the front.

We sometimes batch people around us or get brushed by them. There could be accidents....and it may be due to no fault of ours but of someone we are unfortunately sharing the highway with. Patience can sometimes be a virtue or vice: you need to be sure that time and space is best for it You have to think for other drivers. Sometimes your pace is determined by that of the driver in front of u. You just may have no choice! But to follow on- even if grudgingly and frustratingly.

If he/she is stupid, u may be doomed....He may even escape the calamity which he caused! People cause trouble for people...on the highway of life.Your vehicle type has a part to play. You may be given ‘SHIT’ or be respected for it. No one cares it if is hired, borrowed, on loan, all you have got, or the least u chose to drive....

No matter how expensive...an accident may be its end. Even beautiful ones die in accidents... on the highway of life. Sometimes the old rickety ones last for just too long....and you can only wonder...Some would drive a 'big' car when a balanced meal is a luxury that they can't afford. The value we place on fancy things of life is sometimes ironically hilarious.

You are only a good driver when u get home safely...your story is only history. Can some drivers be on a suicide mission? Nothing is impossible. You are just the way u drive! I dislike to say that some people who are afraid to drive are afraid of the highway of life, but I am almost convinced.

On the highway of life, we should beware of drivers without destinations, trying to figure out their destinations/or just driving for fun....They will always hinder those who have a focused destination and need to arrive there in record time. Drive along only with those heading same destination....Birds of a feather, flock together. Who you marry is a key factor to destiny/destination... on the highway of life.

Breaks are very important...on the highway of life. It is the best caution that you should use with caution. Now I think of my mouth and ability to slow down when need be. May my break never fail...on the highway of life. How good are your shock-absorbers? The highway of life is far from been only smooth...expect to be shaken...on the highway of life.

Beware of drivers ahead who may divert too much for little obstacle- pot holes...they may mislead you. Remember too that that which works for the driver ahead may not work for you: time and chance always come to play...on the highway of life.

On the highway of life are not only drivers, but also pedestrians. Be careful to consider them.You may be in no way better than they are....Time and chance can also change for you, and for them. The unusual/abnormal/reverse happens every now and then... You may see a vehicle move the driver...Situations in life do take the control of peoples’ lives. Do as you would be done by. Give someone a life/ride, but beware...on the highway of life.

Caution at every bend: quality decision is best. Take care at every junction to avoid those who may not consider your coming. Always expect them even at unexpected times....You do the thinking. You cannot always be right, even when you have the right of way. Compromise is necessary when it actually costs you little or nothing...on the highway of life.

We desire forward ever on the highway of life...yet reverse is possible, and may become necessary for further forward movement. Some several routes lead to some same destination: You are sometimes as fast as the route you know or choose. Sometimes, there are just no shot-cuts on the highway of life!

There can be only one driver in a vehicle. Sometimes, you are left with no choice than to be driven. You entrust your life to a driver: you seat, sleep or snore...taking all the risks. You may choose to control or alert your driver, but this also may either make you safe or open you up to more dangers....on the highway of life!

The highway of life is not an island....You cannot always have your way! You cannot always retaliate....There may never be an opportunity for it, or it may simply bring more harm. If you do not care, it is your choice. It pays to obey the highway rules. Assume the possibility of everyone breaking the rules, and then you have assumed the ‘state of nature’ where there is but only CHAOS...on the highway of life.


A reflection of Esther Oluwashina Ajayi-Lowo;
© September 2010

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Life is most definately a highway...I love the way she metaphorically captured our experience in life. This is beatiful.

'Lara

SHE said...

Lovely write up.
I have always thought that changing lanes on the highway is like changing girlfriends / jobs; The other side looks better until you experience it firsthand...

LusciousRon said...

What an inspirational insightful post! Thank you for sharing.

histreasure said...

this was a deeply insightful post, beautifully delivered.. how're u doing, lady?

The Activist said...

I found it insightful too!

Ginger said...

Thanks for sharing StandTall. I loved this.

emilydavila said...

Hi Esther, I am trying to contact you and I cannot find any contact info. I am an executive recruiter for BAOBAB for Women's Rights. They are hiring a new executive director. I would like to speak to you about your interest in the position, or any leaders you would recommend. Kindly email me at emily.davila AT missiontalent.com before Aug 27.

My Passion, my focus, the change that I want to see in the world - is my propellent factor.

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