Submitted by Cindy (Walker) Burton

We’re all driving on a long and winding road called life. Life has crossroads, twists and turns, dangerous curves, dips and the occasional fork in the road. Sometimes life goes smoothly and comfortably, like a paved road. But life can also be like a rocky road, uneven and brutal. Or it might take you down a dusty country road, annoying but tolerable. Perhaps you took the road less traveled, and now you’re lost, or you took the road less graveled, and got a little shaken up.

Ever feel that way on your life journey? Lost, misguided, misdirected, or running low on fuel? Your road signs always seem to say Wrong Way, Use Caution, Do Not Pass, One Way, Dangerous Intersection, or Slippery When Wet. How can you navigate the pit stops and potholes? Should you proceed with caution or put the pedal to the metal?

Since we’re all driving on the Interstate of Life, one of these driver categories probably includes you:

Road Rage Drivers. For Road Ragers, life is not going fast enough, so they pass at top speed, tailgate, and occasionally flip the middle finger to show their displeasure. Their grip on life is the same as on the steering wheel: white knuckled and no holds barred. Driving tip: keep calm. Take your foot off the gas a little. Live longer.

Distracted Drivers. These people are doing two or three things simultaneously and yes, driving, too. The trouble with MTD’s is that they miss out on life’s little pleasures (and road signs) because they are dangerously distracted. Driving tip: just drive and those other things (texting, applying makeup or reaching under the car seat) can wait.

Drinking Drivers. It’s fine to celebrate life, but please do it responsibly and not while driving. You don’t want to cut your trip short – or someone else’s. A party behind the wheel can steal the future.

No Seatbelt Drivers. On the road and in life, we all need security and protection. Driving Tip: Click it or ticket. Buckle up. Be safe not sorry.

Life is a highway; a journey, not a destination. Make sure your tank and your outlook is on full. Increase your mileage and your smileage.