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Embrace the Traffic

Houston. It’s the fourth (or is it now third?) largest city in the nation. Goes without saying that traffic here can get pretty grizzly at times. Road rage has been responsible for more than just a few car accidents and deaths. But did you know that it can contribute to ‘silent killer’ heart diseases like high blood pressure, too?

Like most commuters, I used to boil while stuck in rush hour traffic. I used to rant and curse; give the “stink eye” to a couple of drivers I considered crazy. Never once thinking of the view they must have had staring back at me in my wild-eyed, crazed mess… Houston traffic simply drove me in sane.

Then, I had a kid. I know you’re probably thinking I drove more safely because I was concerned for my daughters’ welfare. Well yes, that’s partly true. What I was really concerned with was the example I was setting for her. Raging, throwing tantrums and my yelling at other drivers was not doing a single thing to improve the journey. Not one single thing! Instead, it was hurting my health and setting bad precedence for my little girl.

So, I changed my point of view. Hey, this is Houston. It’s a BIG town. It’s got traffic. A lot of traffic and it will probably never have any less traffic as the years go by. So, I embraced that fact. I can’t change it. Instead, what I can do is choose to no longer “fight” that fact and make it work FOR me instead.

I’ve learned to use my car as a cocoon of sorts; a capsule where I can improve on myself. I can listen to podcasts or inspirational music while I travel. I can use this time to listen to audio books, interviews or simply lead my four year old in a sing-a-long and spend this quality time bonding with her.

I even take the long way home. Why not? It’s usually a prettier view and it doesn’t get me where I’m going any later than it would have if I had crawled at a snails’ pace through the main roads.

Since changing my point of view, I’ve been much happier and I can’t help but feel it has made a positive impact on my daughter, too. Don’t get me wrong. Everything is not always peachy keen. In fact, I’ve bit my lip and practiced deep breathing on more than one occasion since making this change. The point is that I have recognized that my previous actions were self destructive and made no improvement in my life or the lives of others.

Even if it hasn’t improve my heart health, I wanted to make sure it improved the life of my little girl. Maybe you’ve got someone you feel the same way about. Either way, accept the situation for what it is. Embrace the traffic and make it work for you, too.

And if we happen to see each other on the road, let’s agree now not to cut each other off…. ; )

As always – Enjoy Your Life,

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except perhaps for the times that I don't. Did I mention that I like to laugh - a lot? Visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and how I can help you live life better!

The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program.

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