Life in the (not so) Fast Lane

I was driving into Chattanooga today and as I came over a hill I saw that the majority of the traffic had moved into two left hand lanes. The other three lanes on the right were wide open.

My first instinct was to get in line. Because I am nice and want to be a good person. That, and I “feel very strongly” about drivers who pick up speed with the flashing arrow dead ahead and then budge in at the last minute. So. Irritating.

But as I swung happily into the closest line and started to crawl at 10 mph I suddenly realized there were three completely empty lanes next to me. And I could see at least a mile ahead of me. There were no signs. No flashing arrows. I knew there really was some construction up ahead, but I suddenly realized maybe I had merged to early.

I had instinctively gotten in line, when actually, I could get further and help the traffic jam by getting out of the line. I could use the road that was available and gently merge, at the appropriate time using the “zipper method” by keeping my speed lowered to the same speed as the traffic around me and sliding in (with my indicator on, of course) when there were was sufficient space.

And studies on traffic show that my instinct to use the open road was correct. When the people are, in essence, too polite and get in line too early, the ensuing slow down creates potentially dangerous situations for drivers coming up behind them at the posted speed. (And let’s be real. Who goes the posted speed on the Interstate?) The concept of a “zipper merge” isn’t new or complicated, but it does somehow go against our instinct to be kind.

After I passed through the construction zone and was back on my well beaten path, my mind drifted to all the construction going on in my life right now and I began to wonder if there were places I was merging too early. Deep, right?

But seriously, I’m on my own five-lane Interstate. And there is some heavy duty construction ahead.

• We’re buying a house and making a few other large financial decisions.
• My youngest just started her Junior year in High School. Which means lots of studying, new responsibilities, and you know, waking up at 6 am.
• The girls are also, individually, starting a college search, a job search and a wedding venue/date search.
• I’ve made a commitment to getting this website working effectively in the next 30 days. (Yeah… no fear of a crash and burn there….)
• I’m in the middle of developing some new tools for Aunt June and her caregivers. A medical portfolio, conversation journal and a visiting therapy animal program.

It’s been fairly manageable so far, but the potholes are showing up and I know the heavy duty construction is just over the next hill. The traffic today reminded me that it’s time to gear up and make sure I’m paying attention.

• Assess the signs, the road and the traffic to avoid merging too early and getting stuck.
• Schedule wisely and with enough buffer room to keep my speed consistent.
• Don’t go wild, but get as much done as possible while my lane is open.
• When it’s time, merge confidently and kindly. Use indicators and good manners.
• Don’t get scared and hit the brakes. Instead, trust that if I keep up some speed and choose my entry spot wisely I’ll be able to zip into and open slot and keep the traffic moving.

With some hard work and kindness I’m hoping to seamlessly merge these projects into the path of my fun life and make room for even more construction down the road.

How about you? Any places in your life where you’ve slowed down too soon and just gotten line? What are some ways you are choosing to get back into the wide open lane with the knowledge you can merge more effectively further down the road? I’d love to know.

Wishing you safe travels-

Christine