Have you ever driven the two lane highways in the Southern California desert? Particularly, the 177 and the 95? If so, you’ve experienced the long, zig-zagging, roller coaster-like climbs and drops that follow the rise and fall of the desert itself.

I’ve driven these roads pretty frequently since my youngest moved to Bullhead City a few years ago. I’ve driven alone and I’ve been the passenger. I prefer the solo drive, the quiet drive. Three hours of processing thoughts, admiring the scenary. The wide span of sky, filled with whispy clouds on one trip and big, puffy rain clouds on the next. I usually start the drive in either direction around six o’clock in the morning, to avoid as much traffic as I can. Sunday mornings are the best. Driving with the rising sun offers colors I don’t see when I drive in the later part of the day. The reds and golds pop early in the morning, the view clearer, the drive spectacular.

I call those roads the Whoop De Doos due to the nature of the climbs, drops and swerves that are previlent for most of that stretch. Much of the time, I cannot see what’s coming from the other direction as I climb a hill, and I enjoy racing down the other side toward the next rise.

On the last couple of trips, I noticed an odd sensation as I began the approach to a rise. I felt anxiety, fear. Because I could not see what was coming. Hesitation crept in as I approached the top of the hill. What if… someone reckless was changing lanes on the other side of that hill? I began to tense up as I reached the top of each next hill.

I have never had the experience of encountering a vehicle coming at me in my lane on these highways. I couldn’t tell you why my mind decided to write that particular scenario. It happened all on its own.

I could have easily been freaked out enough to pull over and let fear win. Instead I reminded myself of a few things.

First, it was an unfounded fear. It had not happened to me and I hadn’t read about it happening to anyone else. Doesn’t mean it hadn’t in the past somewhere on this very road. I just had no experience with it.

Second, if it did happen, well – I could swerve into the desert if I reacted quickly enough, or I could get hit head-on. And even those choices had a few different outcomes.

Last, since I believe in a Universal Spirit I also prayed. I asked for the best possible outcome on my drive home. And I relaxed, continuing on my drive, making it home safely. As I always do.

Later on, while thinking about this drive, and the roller coaster-like climbs and drops, I realized that life offers many opportunities to experience the same anxiety producing experience. Starting or ending a job, or school, or a relationship offers those same ups and downs, the fear of the unknown outcome. Being where my feet are, fully present in this moment rather than “future-tripping” (is that still a phrase?), is a difficult task. However, I practice being present through meditation, prayer and yoga daily, so that when life throws me a curve-ball I’m less likely to succumb to any fear that might accompany that moment. I can review those same questions I mention above:

First, Is it real? Is it true? Am I drawing from a past personal experience or making stuff up? Second, do I have a plan to pivot if what I’m imagining actually happens? Finally, do I have a faith I can lean on when I feel afraid?

Life is full of whoop de doos. Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and enjoy the ride as best as you can.

Thanks for reading!