How to Left Side
I went to turn on the car, and then realized I was sitting in the passenger seat.
It took me a second to remember that down under, they drive on the other side of the road, and their cars sides are flipped.
Having recently arrived in Sydney, I rented a car as I wanted to more easily explore this beautiful city where I plan to winter this year.
Taking my first left turn out of the garage, I noticed myself perched forward on the car seat, extra vigilant of both the left and right sides of the road.
‘Left side, left side, left side’ I kept chanting to myself quietly, driving for once far below the posted speed limit, carefully staying within the lines and turning even more carefully.
My heart beating a bit faster, my palms a bit sweaty and my eyes open a bit wider, I was nervous and a bit more anxious than I had expected or prepared for.
On my second day, I considered taking an Uber instead to save myself the discomfort, even though it was only a 10 minute drive away. As I was about to request the ride in the app, I caught a glimpse of the rental car keys lying on the table and decided I needed to get comfortable driving on the left, and the only way was to face the fear.
It wasn’t so bad the second time around.
And on the drive back to where I was staying, I found myself actually enjoying it. I turned the music on and found myself smiling for the first time behind the wheel.
Within days, what I had feared had become a chance for growth and a source of needed confidence on the road.
As I reflected one morning in my journal, I began to appreciate just how adaptable we are. Oftentimes, like I had experienced, our minds get in the way. I know my mind is trying to protect me and keep me safe, yet at the same time, my instinct to challenge myself, do what makes me uncomfortable and experience something new is the reason for most of the best adventures in life.
Feeling fear can be a signal that it’s time to lean in, versus lean away.
In business, relationships, health and more, I have often felt fear and when looking back, I have never regretted not facing that fear. It isn’t easy, but totally worth it.
What makes it a bit easier is to believe in myself. Without the self-belief that I can do something I feel fear about, I don’t stand a chance. With the self-belief, I am now tapping into an inner resource and spring of energy that propels me forward. Forward into my future.
And that is how I learned to Left Side.
