Rattled

I left around 8 30 this morning for starbucks. I had a lazy morning. I slept in till 6 30 (I usually get up at 5 w/ Mike everyday), straightened my already semi straight hair just to see what would happen - science if you will. Took the eyeliner out of the makeup drawer for something a little extra spicy and sharp. Went in extra close with the mascara, I really felt like I didn't miss a single lash. So after all this enjoyment and relaxation I'm on the road by 8 30. Probably less than 3 minutes out from my driveway I've arrived behind 2 cars that seem to be getting off to a rough start. The van in the front, being trailed by a kia just inches from its back fender, was constantly lurching on the brakes in attempts to provoke the kia to provide more space between them. As I identified what was happening I created extra space between myself and the cars in front of me for safeties sake, approximately 15 or 20 feet. The troubles continued as we slowly, at about 10/20 km in a 50 zone, rolled forward. Over the last speed bump and just feet ahead the van lurches to a halt one last time. This time the Kia hits the vans back end. My hand shake on the wheel as I reach for my phone to record and I move slightly to the far right so that the 1 vehicle behind me can also see what is happening and causing halt ahead. At this point I'm completely stopped and I'm scrambling to press the record button. The man has exited the van and is walking towards the Kia. Abruptly a woman with shoulder length Pink hair steps out of the Kia and quickly begins shouting back at his frustration and confusion. She stood firmly between the drivers seat and car door, almost as if to use it for protection. After a few moments both drivers returned to their vehicles and pulled over to the side to clear the road where they then got out of their cars again to continue shouting at each other. I continued driving, shaking, stammering, completely rattled and unable to process what had just happened and what was continuing to happen. By driving forward I had consciously or otherwise decided to put it in my personal past. Or had I?

I was like the only person there. I saw everything. They were still arguing when left. What if things escalated? What if someone got hurt? Whose side would be believed/compensated? Whose to say what really happened when both sides are on the defense?

I turned my car around and proceeded back to where everything had happened to see if the people were still there. To my surprise they were., hands in the air, yelling out in frustration and defense. I quickly parked my car and kept it running on the opposite side of the road. I knew I would only be a moment.

"Excuse my you guys" I tried to be calm but express a large amount of awareness at the same time, so that they understood my role in the situation. " I came over here to tell you that I'm a witness, and I'm happy to give you my information in case you need it." Both parties took my information and as I told myself before getting out, I wasn't staying long so I proceeded back to my vehicle. As I left I gently tried to convey to the others that it might be in their best interests to get going as well. I tried my best to bring calm into a stormy situation, despite my shaking hands and weak stomach.

Driving away, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of a world where people knew that other people had their backs in the event that something bad or just not right was happening to them. Many of those things might not in fact happen anymore. What if the person doing the harm knew that people who genuinely care about the well-being of others were watching, ready to respond and react to that kind of behavior. Do you think they would still act out?

I'm working hard to be that person. I realize I don't need to know people to be helpful and compassionate and just straight up do the right thing. When I put myself into the shoes of those in the situation I can empathize with both: Kia mindset "I'm in a hurry". Van mindset: " You shouldn't be driving so close to me". When I think about what is right and good I realize first and foremost, as the Kia was not the leader on the road, it would have been the respectful and right thing to do to leave the proper amount of space behind the van. I think some people aren't quite so aware of the message they send through their vehicles, but just a body language is very real, the way you drive your car can also reveal a lot of things about you and your character. When you care more about your rush than your own safety and the safety of those around you, is it time to think again?

Destiny is the hands of those who decide to act on behalf of their own lives. Both individuals have my number. Now only time will tell.

I didn't know what I was going to write about this morning but it appears the universe took care of that to me. I truly believe that everyday is an opportunity to be a better, stronger version of myself and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger, which is humanity, and the community that can be formed from it if we dare be so brave as it come together instead of pull apart. With the same bones, ribs, and hearts, nothing else matters to me. I see humanity as one and the same and will stand up for the benefit of humankind at absolutely every opportunity I come across.

In effort to move forward in optimism and fluidity I am sharing some calming and fascinating photographs I took of nature.

I'm feeling more clear minded in knowing I'm back on track with my blogs per month goals. My blogging is a personal challenge I've been working on in hopes of becoming more fluid and connected to writing. I've started books in the past but have often been overwhelmed by writers block. I figure if writing is a more habitual part of me, it will kind of become part of my nature. Writing more frequently I find I feel more relaxed. More like I've spoken my two sense and less pent up. It's become a really nice release for me over the past few years and I'm glad to look back and see writings persistence in my life.