When someone cuts you off in traffic.

When people drive poorly, selfishly, or even dangerously.

Whether they are on their cell phones, distracted by the back seat, or simply not paying attention, drivers make mistakes. Even if they are cursing you out while acting rude or reckless, I ask you to pray for them, Dear Loved Ones.

Even if they are the one in the wrong. Even though it's hard. Even though...

Please pray.

For yourself and for them.

For your sake, theirs, and everyone else's.

Breathe, and pray.

In a world where it is easy to become Frustrated, Jaded, Enraged…

If we practice kindness, patience, and grace through a simple act of prayer, not only do I believe it can change the feeling and energy within our own hearts and minds in how we drive, but also quite possibly others on the road as well.

Do you agree? Or not?

If nothing else, the simple act of praying for others on the road has the great potential to shift how we drive and interact with those on the road. It shifts our focus, our intention, awareness, and even our energy or mood. All of which have powerful potential.

Not to mention everything we do influences those in the car with us—like our children and what they learn from observing us.

Creating an energetic shift that is palpable along with a ripple effect that can last long after we reach our destination. One that might even circle back around when we ourselves mess up while driving. Hey, it happens to the best of us.

But why not take an opportunity to pray for a stranger? Many of them in fact!

I often say a prayer for all those on the road. Even on days I'm not driving.

Life is hard enough and driving takes its toll Dear Loved Ones,

I don’t think we should easily discount the effect our daily commute can have on our life, health, as well as our mental and emotional state — or those we share the road, and perhaps our lives, with: work, home, errands, school...

Living in an urban area that is still growing, constantly under construction, and filled to the brim with drivers from all over the world and all walks of life, the roads where we live become congested with not just the cars on the road and people inside them, but also with the thoughts, feelings, and frustrations we each are bogged down with from everyday life.

Let's face it, life can be overwhelming at times —even if you're happy and wouldn't change a thing.

Who needs the added challenge of striving to maintain calm in the chaos?!

When I pray for everyone on the road, and in particular those driving irresponsibly, erratically, selfishly, stupidly, and/or possibly irately, I find that it helps me to stay calm and remember that I too need help sometimes.

Driving will always have its moments of unpredictability — especially the more crowded, complicated, and noisy the roads become.

Our spirits don’t have to though, Dear Loved Ones.

Next time someone cuts you off, instead of holding your breath, clenching the wheel, cursing them out, or giving hand gestures, I ask you to whisper a prayer.

We may never know how it helps them 
— but I trust that you will feel how it helps you.

I truly believe, and notice in my own life, that small practices of kindness, patience, and grace throughout life challenges — such as that daily commute — can generate positive change and good feelings that last the day.

And we can all use a win regardless of how well our life is hopefully going.

These habits become more natural the more we incorporate them, and can continue to grow and spread. In our own lives and in the lives of others.

What a beautiful gift to share with the world!

What good does getting angry do anyway?

In truth. In this situation, and others, where does, or can, anger take us?

Not that anger is something to diminish, ignore, bury, or demonize. Anger is an important emotion. It is a great indicator for us to check in with ourselves and the situation at hand. It has meaning, value, and can be justified—righteous even.

However, anger can often beget more anger, and where does that get anyone in these types of situations?

When road rage can easily lead to death, let’s choose a wiser, kinder path.

If we want things to change,
we must first start with ourselves .

Darren Huckey expands upon this concept of starting with ourselves through the story of a nineteenth century Rabbi on the first page of his book The Four Responsibilities of a Disciple².

Basically, this man has dreams of changing the world but learns through experiencing failure in this endeavor over and over that the only one he has the ability to change, is himself.

It's a story to remind us that real change begins with and within ourselves.
In our everyday thoughts and actions. In moments of strength and weakness.

It is a practice.

One that takes time.

And one that I believe it is absolutely worth the effort!

I agree with Darren's sentiment that "the path to permanent, lasting, sustainable change has to begin with ourselves". I would add two things:

• First, to do anything takes consistent effort paired with mindful awareness as well as a fistful each of self-compassion and self-accountability.
• Second, if we want to create change in others, the best way is to lead by example as best we can while always learning and growing.

Additionally, let us not forget a few vital ingredients: compassion, patience, and forgiveness to name a few. In order to have these for others, we need to practice them in our own lives—to, with, and for ourselves.

After all, we are human. The important thing is to keep trying, or in the words of the great and inspiring philosopher Dori—the regal blue tang—"just keep swimming". 😜 🙃

Lastly, I believe and have witnessed throughout life that demonstrating our habits helps encourage others to do the same. Especially when supported. I believe how we live our lives has influence. Has an affect. Has an impact.

Quite possibly so much more than we can begin to imagine.

In fewer yet profound words attributed to Mahatma Gandhi that I pray we all take to heart and strive to implement: "be the change you wish to see in the world".

For if we are the change, then we are creating change within ourselves, and when we do this— starting with how we behave, think, live, etc., and treat others— we live and lead by example.

Every whispered prayer is like a seed dropped along the highway — quiet, unseen, capable of blooming into kindness, understanding, hope, and maybe even love.

Perhaps one day, someone will pray for you too, and the circle will be complete.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in shalom with all people.” Romans 12:18 (TLV)

Once again Dear Loved Ones, I encourage, even challenge you...

The next time someone cuts you off,
instead of screaming out,
flipping them off, or matching their anger,
say a prayer.

It might not change their driving, but it has the profound and remarkable ability to change our own heart and mind — and that’s where peace begins.

But I tell you, love your enemies! And pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 (TLV)

In the process of change, be gentle with yourself as you practice new habits.

Take slow, gentle, forgiving, and patient steps towards becoming a little kinder and more aware.

Remember, all we can really hope for as we move forward in life is constant growth and improvement in ourselves—and not in an over productive, exhaustive, etc., unhealthy type of way, but with love, compassion, and yes ... passion.

Passion for learning and wisdom.

After all, it isn't about perfection, and practice leads to progress.

🙏🏼 Thank you for reading this Dear Loved Ones Entry 🙏🏼

I pray we learn to live together in harmony, balance, and reverence. With awe, love, respect, and appreciation for one another. Practicing patience and kindness towards one another. With a willingness to understand, learn, and grow.

I pray Adonai, the God of Israel, blesses you and keeps you. For His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. That He lift up His countenance upon you and give you shalom.

Love and Blessings ❤

References, Resources, Links, Etc.

1. Images created with Chat GPT
2. Huckey, Darren N. (2013). The Four Responsibilities of a Disciple. Macon, Georgia: Emet HaTorah.