The Smoke Detector
  • About
    • About TSD
    • Contact us
  • Art / Design
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Interviews
  • Columns
  • Coding
The Smoke Detector
  • About
    • About TSD
    • Contact us
  • Art / Design
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Interviews
  • Columns
  • Coding
  • Columns

Life Lessons from Driving

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 24 October 2015

I had an encounter with a steering wheel today. That line may sound a bit dramatic, some of you drive every day, but for me there is always a bit of drama excitement frizzling in the air when I get the keys. I got my driving licence when I was eighteen, but I didn’t get much experience behind the wheel after that. My parents don’t have a car as we live in a small town where you can actually get almost everywhere by foot. I also never got one for myself, as moving into bigger cities made me realise the chaos of finding a parking spot and the horrors of traffic jam. Oh, and one more reason – I never really had money for a car. It was not one of those things that I prioritised, I always felt ok with taking subway or a tram. Later on Uber showed up, not that I use it much, but there are plenty of alternatives for car-free life. Still, I enjoy driving from time to time, especially when I’m alone and just switching my brain off. I have also lately realised that driving can teach us many life lessons, and that’s what I want to share with you today. Here is my new found wisdom about driving and life.

Sometimes you have to slow down.

Know your speed limit. We live in very fast times, and it seems like we need to rush around non stop. In order to juggle many different tasks speed does matter, but we also need to know when to push the break. We are not machines, and although our bodies are quite powerful, if you go full speed for too long you will burn out. So, learn when to be in speed mode and when to slow down and give yourself a break.

life lessons

Refuel your energy like you do with your car.

Your car can’t go without gas so you make regular stops at a gas station. We are kind of similar. We don’t consume gas, but we need to recharge with food and sleep. That is why it’s important to eat regularly and healthy and to get enough sleep. It will recharge you and you will have enough energy to face your daily challenges.

Sometimes you’ll have to go in reverse.

Moving forward is crucial in life, but from time to time we need to take a step back. By going in reverse, we may get a new perspective on things and choose which road to take. If life pushes you back, try to make the best of it and just remember – you take a few steps forward, one back and that’s just how this road called life is made.

Change speeds gradually.

Even the best car needs time to develop big speed. It can’t go from first to fourth, and neither can we. I am talking about progress here. We need to go through each speed in order to get to 100 km/h. Whatever it is that you’re interested in, remember that you can’t become a master over night. Any skill takes time to develop, together with repetition and dedication. So, start slowly and build up as you go.

life lessons

Respect the traffic signs.

Traffic signs are there to warn us about the road we are taking. Our bodies are also made to send us signals about what is happening inside. If you’re low on energy – you get hungry; if you lack water – you get thirsty and it’s amazing that we’re made that way. While hunger, thirst and other ‘signals’ are there to tell us about our physical needs, our mind and our emotions can tell us about the mental and emotional needs. I think it’s sad how little we understand this side of us and how little attention we often pay to what our body, mind and soul might be telling us. If you don’t react to the signals your body is giving you, you end up sick. So, learn to listen to your body and treat it well. After all, your body is your armour in which you go through life, so learn to respect it’s limits.

For more of our life lessons visit Sunday Thoughts. 

Share
Tweet
Pin it
Share
Share
Related Topics
  • driving
  • Life Lessons
  • safety
Ivona Josipovic

Ivona Josipovic is a co-founder of The Smoke Detector, writer, fashion stylist, social media manager, curious creature, chocolate lover.

Previous Article
  • Uncategorized

5 must have bags of the season

  • Doina Tatu
  • 23 October 2015
View Post
Next Article
  • Art / Design
  • Interviews

Fairy tales in Margarita Kareva Photography

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 25 October 2015
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Fashion

Nordgreen Copenhagen watch review

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 8 August 2020
View Post
  • Fashion
  • Interviews

Interview with Joanna Bark and Elena Ekström, founders of Bukvy

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 30 March 2020
View Post
  • Fashion

The evolution of male red carpet style

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 18 March 2020
View Post
  • Fashion

Christian Louboutin Exhibition, L’Exhibitioniste – Paris 2020

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 25 February 2020
View Post
  • Fashion

Best Fashion documentaries – part 3

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 6 March 2020
View Post
  • Fashion

Best handbag brands to know in 2020

  • Ivona Josipovic
  • 11 February 2020
5 comments
  1. Carol in a Page says:
    27 October 2015 at 10:22

    I loved this post, everything you wrote is so true.
    http://carolinapage.eu

    Reply
  2. Anna says:
    31 October 2015 at 05:59

    What a great little comparison! I don’t drive myself, never have just because i don’t feel the need to, so if i had contact with a steering wheel i think i would feel the same haha 🙂

    Anna xx
    http://thefashionscents.blogspot.com.au/

    Reply
  3. sonia // daring coco says:
    4 November 2015 at 09:29

    How incredibly insightful. I don’t mind driving, but i’m noting of late i prefer when someone else does it just so i can focus on other things. it can be pretty cathartic though. i am a person who loves talking to herself and alone in my car is were i am the most chatty! i really am able to work out stuff that is worrying me.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

    Reply
  4. Sybil says:
    18 November 2015 at 04:43

    i love how you’ve applied driving procedures to life lessons! 😀 great post!

    Have a great week!
    Animated Confessions

    Reply
  5. AGGY says:
    18 November 2015 at 17:36

    I LOVE HOW MUCH THOUGHT YOU PUT INTO THIS POST! SO INTERESTING! SUCH A WORTHY READ MY FRIEND! HAVE A LOVELY DAY AHEAD DEAR <3

    XOXO
    AGGYLOW
    http://AGGYLOW.COM

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured Posts
  • 1
    • Fashion
    Nordgreen Copenhagen watch review
    • 8 August 2020
  • 2
    • Fashion
    • Interviews
    Interview with Joanna Bark and Elena Ekström, founders of Bukvy
    • 30 March 2020
  • 3
    • Fashion
    The evolution of male red carpet style
    • 18 March 2020
  • 4
    • Fashion
    Christian Louboutin Exhibition, L’Exhibitioniste – Paris 2020
    • 25 February 2020
  • 5
    • Fashion
    Best Fashion documentaries – part 3
    • 6 March 2020
  • 6
    • Fashion
    Best handbag brands to know in 2020
    • 11 February 2020
  • 7
    • Fashion
    Best fashion quotes with strong messages
    • 31 January 2020
  • 8
    • Fashion
    10 ways fashion has changed in the 2010s
    • 4 January 2020
  • 9
    • Art / Design
    • Interviews
    Interview with Elisabeth van Aalderen, the photographer behind Vitiligo photo project
    • 16 December 2019
  • 10
    • Art / Design
    Illustrators celebrating womanhood we love following on IG
    • 10 January 2020
Reflection. 🌴
The world need more love. BLM! 🖤 Regram from @inesabouchard .
Don't miss reading our interview with the founders of the amazing @bukvybag brand. This female-led accessories brand is based in Stockholm and focused on creating practical pieces for everyday life. 😍 Link in bio. #bukvy #bukvybag #interview #femalefounders
Daydreaming of places as this one... 💙 Follow the super talented @salvalopez for more amazing images like this... #photography #pink #daydreaming
Gorgeous images by @nina_zimolong. 💟 In case you missed our interview with the talented photographer go to our site to read it. #photography #interview #love #stunning
Lazy Sunday mani inspo from @vanessahong. Nothing like some cute polka dots for mood boosting, right? 😍 #cute #manicure #loveit #polkadots
The Smoke Detector
  • About
  • Art / Design
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Interviews
  • Columns
  • Coding
The Smoke Detector covers photography, fashion, art, design, cool people and places

Input your search keywords and press Enter.