Traffic Jams and the Choice to Let it Be

The following excerpt was unexpectedly inspired by a random traffic jam...

The Beatles, in my opinion, are some of the greatest songwriters of our time.  Not only did they set the stage for what music should generate in its listeners, but their lyrics are truly inspiring.  They are simple.  They are unique.  They are truly genuine.  I’d specifically like to recognize the ever so popular and beautifully crafted song, “Let it be.”  While the song may have a theological element behind it, the meaning can expand to all persons, regardless of their religious background or beliefs.  When I hear this song, I am reminded of the fact that our lives are unique—specifically molded by our daily experiences. We are all made to encounter happiness, challenges, setbacks, tragedies, success, and everything in between.  Sometimes, however, as we all know, particular encounters aren’t exactly welcomed with open arms.  And the biggest challenge is actually allowing ourselves to accept each and every circumstance.  Doing so will humble our minds, and eventually, God will give us what we so deserve.  It all begins with a choice.  

We all start each day with such a choice.  Simply, it’s about our attitude.  We all know that at some point in our lives, the popular mantra that “attitude is everything” was instilled in us by parents, teachers, coaches, etc.  That attitude is the direct reflection of our choices.  It is difficult to accept that particular series of events throughout the day can actually influence our attitude, but it’s ultimately our decision to allow something to put us in a good mood, bad mood, or something reflecting indifference.  This is not to say, however, that unfortunate circumstances can seriously inhibit a smooth-running day.  

Sometimes, certain events really do just…suck.   Like that seriously annoying traffic jam we all get stuck in for a half hour the day of an important meeting…  Or that irate, petulant driver that cuts us off….  And the construction that caused us to make a detour, making us late once again… I’m sure you can recount numerous set backs.  Really, they all suck. 

 I’ll be the first to admit that all of these situations seriously blow, and I’m easily annoyed or angered more than many of my fellow peers.  But I’ve slowly come to realize that letting these small circumstances ruin our day is not helping any of us in the long run.  And yes, it’s all SMALL stuff.  The moment I realized all  of this was when I was actually sitting in a traffic jam—irritated as could be—and that lovely sound I previously mentioned immediately rang in my ears as my fingers furiously searched the radio station.

Consider this:  You are stuck in a traffic jam that seems to be backed up for miles.  The meeting you are supposed to attend is starting in fifteen minutes.  You can see the long, wide curves slithering up and down the highway like a snake.  At this point, you figure you are still at least 25 minutes from the office.  As you continuously and vehemently switch from the gas to the brake, your body now begins to angrily rock back and forth from the constant stop and go of traffic.  You might even attempt switching lanes in efforts to get ahead in the fast lane, passing that Volkswagen creeping ever so slowly in front of you—only to find that several minutes later, the same Volkswagen is cruising past you in the adjacent lane. Now you’re really fuming. 

Let me give you a piece of advice.  Chill. Sit back, enjoy your surroundings, and appreciate some good music.  The traffic will not spontaneously subside, and getting angry about it will only make the situation worse.  We must choose to not let small things like this bother us.  But, let’s just say we choose the latter.  Here’s how the situation might unravel:  You being to bang your wheel, yell insanities and obscure language, and your whole body is tense.  The steering wheel is succumbed by your Kong Fu grip.  Your knuckles are pale white and your entire inner system is out of whack from only these few minutes of unwarranted stress. 
   
By the time you reach the office, the meeting is already in session.  You reach the elevator doors only to meet your boss inside.  You plead your apologies for being so late, and your boss immediately draws the conclusion that, he too, was stuck in the same traffic jam. He pats you on the shoulder and says something like this: 

 “Relax. Just call next time and let somebody know why you are running late.  These things do happen.  I told everyone to start some discussions in the meeting until I arrive.”

Now, an entire weight has been lifted and your stomach is no longer hanging down by your toes.  You ask yourself what you were so worried about.  This boss who was so understanding and compassionate seems to already know how to choose the higher road of accepting daily circumstances.  But what about those of you who have not had the luxury of such a compassionate leader?  Not to worry—your time will come.  But if not, just realize in the meantime that you can never let someone control your attitude.  Yes, we may get frustrated, but we are in control of our own temperament. 

Let us return to the moment when we are stuck in that traffic jam, but consider an example far worse.  This traffic jam is actually the effect of a major accident.  After several minutes of extreme stress and tension—white knuckles and all—you slowly approach the scene of the accident, all of which is quite gory.  Your then feel like a complete idiot for getting so angry; so, you decide to thank the Lord for being fortunate enough to be alive and healthy today.  But why not thank Him beforehand? Why does it take unfortunate events for us to open our minds?  To realize not to take each day for granted?  I will once again admit that my mind was closed for very long until a series of terrible circumstances (not necessarily in my own life) motivated me to start making the choice to lead a positive life.  
   
Now, at times like this, I strive to seize the opportunity to listen to my favorite music while sitting in a traffic jam.  It’s okay if I’m a little late for work.  This is not to say that being late isn’t stressful, but stressing out more than necessary is not conducive to creating a sense of inner peace.  I have the rest of my life to work.  Ten or twenty minutes at the office can wait.  

 This illustration of a simple traffic jam is one of many different circumstances that may deter our ability to choose to accept circumstances as they occur in our daily lives.  They may impede our ability to choose to live in each current moment. And remember, special moments only last for so long.  Thus, we must learn to accept the present circumstance—for even the bad, annoying, or tragic moments teach us to appreciate to truly good moments, which are sometimes few and far between.  Choose to let it be—that, I assure you, is to truly live.