I've been driving a lot lately. With school finished, my day involves driving to work to rehearsal (a 45-minute trek each way) and finally back home where I can collapse in bed and prepare for the next day. This lifestyle is nothing new for me. Growing up, I lived in a small town removed from where I went to school. A combination of cars and buses got me where I needed to go. I'm an impatient person and would love to transport myself anywhere at the snap of a finger, but commuting has always been part of my life and, as frustrating as it can be at times, I have also learned to appreciate its value.

A commuter's car becomes their best friend, their companion, and their lifeline. Although I have never been what I would call a car person, spending time driving has developed a sort of connection between me and the car I drive. For whatever it's worth, you depend on that vehicle to get you home safe. That dependency fosters a kind of bond between man and object. And yet, as much as you love and respect your vehicle, the car might get a bit messy. Sometimes it seems like most of my belongings live in my car as I pack multiple bags for the day's different activities and load them in the trunk. You get used to carrying heavy bags and juggling armfuls of miscellaneous objects while retrieving your keys at night. All the essentials travel with you.

You learn to treasure the alone time. Before I had my own car, I enjoyed the drive time as a chance to talk with my family who would drop me off. Even when riding the bus, I could amuse myself with people-watching. Solo commuting adds the challenge of staying alert and entertained with only yourself, a car, and a road. At first, the alone time felt suffocating. Afterwards, my mouth felt dry from being silent so long, and I was desperate for human contact. Now, I sing along with the radio to keep my voice alive and my mind awake. I use car trips as a chance to recharge from the day's interactions, to clear my head, and allow my mind to focus on whatever it wishes. While still staying aware of my driving surroundings, I can use the time to relax my thoughts.

Constant driving is not without its price. Human bodies were not made for long hours of sitting, and my back is quick to let me know when it grows tired of the driving. It's the kind of strain that builds tension, not muscles, thus making it even more important you balance out the driving with physical exercise on your feet. Commuting can be an emotional strain, as well. Construction, bad drivers, accidents, and slow traffic all cause frustration on the road. Some people dangerously release their emotions in the form of road rage. The high emotions of some drivers makes the road more perilous for all. Driving is downright terrifying when you consider all the things which could go wrong and how little protection a car really serves. The trick is to acknowledge these fearful or angry emotions without letting them sway your smart driving habits.

Time slips away on the road. The time sucked up by the commute rushes my other activities at the same time that it forces me to budget my day efficiently. The pump greedily swallows your money when you stop for gas. Commuting is an investment. You sacrifice time, money, and a certain level of safety in return for the freedom to go wherever you want. If you accept the conditions of a commuter lifestyle, you open the doors to countless opportunities. It would certainly be wonderful if we could travel instantly without the worry of driving, but you do what you can.

For now, let's hit the road.