Embarking On A Journey
The joy of going on a long drive
There is something utterly enchanting about a long drive, a journey where it’s just you and the open road. This Friday I’ll be gearing up for a drive from Cardiff to the Oxfordshire countryside, and let me tell you, I can’t flipping wait to hit the road.
Driving alone offers a unique sense of freedom. It’s a chance for me to unplug from my daily hustle and respite from the relentless ‘To Do’ list and daily chores. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy the prep before the journey. I love to stop off for a flat white en route, grab some snacks, and once on the road I do tend to blast the 80’s tunes and listen to my favourite podcasts.
driving long distances was one of the things I missed so much when it was lockdown. Whenever I had a creative block or I’d feel fed up about something, I’d always jump in my car and head off, usually destination unknown, for a couple of hours. I also love cars. Fast cars. Anything related to motorsport.
When I wrote my first CV when applying for jobs after completing University, I always write in the ‘ambitions’ section, that I wanted to be a rally car driver. I think it had something to do with having a father that was well into Formula1. We’d watch the series together and even today when it’s on the TV, it brings back a sense of nostalgia.
Whilst I find driving exhilarating, the solitude of being in the car is really meditative. There is a certain magic of being alone with your thoughts, free to daydream and ponder life’s mysteries. I definitely find it relaxes me. And yes, I do actually concentrate on the road whilst driving and day dreaming. Even though sometimes, I do wonder how I actually got to my destination. Eek! Has that ever happened to you?
So my journey this Friday to Oxford serves as a dual purpose, I’ll be blending business and pleasure, meeting my very talented caterer Jo, who provides all the yummy foods for my Ease Retreats. I’ll also be scouting around the Oxfordshire countryside for more properties for the retreats. If you’re interested, I’ll upload some photos of my adventure on my return, so you can have a sneak peak into where I’ll be hosting retreats this Autumn/Winter. I am super excited. Roll on Friday!
Until the next time, I hope you have a wonderful Monday
Take care & stay safe xxx
Thank you for this, Tanya.
I have some solo long drives coming up. Including a 3+ hour one tomorrow. I pretty much hate driving! But I absolutely love the freedom of being able to. I think it's such a gift in life - I'm very grateful to have a car and the ability to drive.
Anyway, your post here is making me look at this weekend's journeys in a different way and maybe think of them as something positive.
Enjoy your trip!
The allure of the open road, the solitude, and the freedom it brings is truly enchanting. It's wonderful how you find a meditative quality in the solitude of the car, and yes, that moment when you arrive at your destination almost as if by magic, despite daydreaming along the way, has definitely happened to me too!