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Being on the road at 3.15 a.m. to drive 450 kms was
not in my plans for the weekend. I had been looking
forward to a relaxing couple of days to allow me to recharge my batteries in
readiness for the busy week ahead that lay ahead of me.
My eldest son, Simon and a group of his good friends
were heading off for a week at the snowfields, however, due to last minute
issue with their transportation; I willingly offered to help out and provide
the extra car that was required to ensure that everyone got to the drop off
point near the snow fields, so that they could then enjoy their weeks break snow
boarding and skiing.
As I set out on my early morning journey the only
thing I could think about at that time was that no sooner had I arrived and
then said my goodbyes, I would be on the road again to make the trip back
home, in total a round trip of 900 kms in just on 10 hours.
Although I was only to happy to make the trip, the thought of such a
long drive in one day was a daunting one, particularly as I was looking
forward to that much required time to relax.
Over the years I have come to realise that in life
often events happen to challenge you and that they often don't reveal their
real purpose at the time. As I was to discover over
the next 10 hours, this was not to be the case on this occasion.
The drive to our destination was punctuated with the
mandatory refresher and comfort stops, an early morning breakfast in a
highway petrol station that could be best described as filling but far from
nutritious, the dawning of a new day, coupled with patches of fog, mist and
light rain which typifies a winter's morning as you get closer to the snow
fields.
As we drove, Simon and I talked a little about his
week's break, and a host of what may have seemed unimportant and rather minor
subjects, however, it was great to have this time with him as we very rarely
spend five continuous hours in each others company, other than in the days
when we played Saturday afternoon cricket together.
As I left to make the return trip back home, I had a
strange sense of loneliness which quickly disappeared as I concentrated on
driving through some very heavy early morning fog. Within an hour I was through the fog and
had a clear open road ahead of me, so I engaged cruise control and spent the
next four hours listening to some of my favourite CD's.
When I was younger I did a lot of country driving on
my own and I often used this time to think about big picture stuff as well as
issues and challenges I had in my business or personal life, many of which would
be clarified and to a certain extent resolved, during these lengthy times of
solitude inside my car.
On this day, I rekindled something from those years
of driving long distances on my own, for by the time I had reached home I had
developed and set out a plan of action in my mind for one very important
issue I had to deal with in the week ahead. Surprisingly
after my long trip home I was mentality refreshed and energised, even though
I was physically tired and knew that I would sleep well that evening.
I am reminded of the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson,
'Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.'
What this unplanned trip to the snowfields had given
me were two unexpected but very timely lessons, the first being that we all need
to and benefit from spending quality time with our family, loved ones and
friends. The second lesson was that a change in your
environment, no matter how temporary, can in itself provide you with the
opportunity to look at something from a different perspective and come away
with a resolution, as well as be refreshed and energised.
I look forward to my next unexpected event and many
more opportunities to spend quality time with those who are important to me
and make my life more rewarding.
Inspired by a half day trip to the snow fields with my son and the need
for some refreshed thinking.
Written by Keith Ready
© July 2006
Keith
Ready is an Australian based business adviser and trainer whose specialty is
working with his clients to improve top and bottom line business performance
in a measurable way, through people. Keith is also known as Mr
Inspiration and is publisher of InspirEmail
which provides inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost
the emotional bank account.
You can
visit his website at www.agiftofinspiration.com.au www.agiftofinspiration.com.auand he can be contacted via e-mail at info@agiftofinspiration.com.au
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