Do you remember when you learnt to drive?
Most people have positive memories about the experience, and the initial days are exhilarating. You just can’t wait to get behind the wheel again and go on a long drive, can you?
I was no exception.
During my early driving days, I was eager to take on the driving duties during family trips whenever I could. One day when we had come back from one such trip, my dad commented, “Don’t you hold on to that steering a bit too tightly, son?”
I thought he was joking. I mean what was I supposed to do if not hold on to the steering like my life depended on it. It literally did. Also, at the time, I felt the need to constantly manoeuvre the steering to keep the car on the road.
I, however, did not say anything that day and let it pass.
It took me quite a while to understand what my dad was trying to tell me that day. One day, when I had got quite comfortable with my driving, I realised you really do not have to hold on to the steering that tight, and you also do not have to constantly move the steering. You only need to do so when there is a change in the curvature of the road you are travelling on.
It was, as they say, an enlightening experience.
This very principle is applicable to our lives as well. Most of the time we are trying too hard to control the things in our lives, as if doing so will result in the outcome that we want. Such efforts are mostly futile, as a lot of things that we try to control are beyond our control. Thinking that we can control them is foolish, and leads to unnecessary frustration when things don’t happen as we wish them to.
So, the question is, how much control do we really need?
The answer, I feel, is simple: You only need enough control to stay on track. Each individual has to work this out for him, or her, self. You just need to observe your life carefully, and let go of the illusion of control because the things that you think you are controlling might just not need to be controlled at all.
Until next time!
What do you think?