I-75 N

I work in downtown Atlannuh, and reaching I-75 North during rush hour requires one of two choices (sure, there are others, but humor me).

Choice A: Navigate just a couple blocks - down Baker and Williams - patiently as other drivers successfully cut me and commit various forms of auto freud (disclaimer: I am often that driver).

Choice B: Scrap the nearby onramp and cruise down Peachtree until I hit Midtown, bobbing and weaving as cars idle with their flashers every block and traffic grows near the Fed. Once I reach 10th or 14th, I can access the highway … or, if I’m feeling some type of way, keep it pushing until I hit Buckhead.

Choice A is always the quickest route, but it’s rarely my first choice because on a street like Baker, I feel like I’m not making any progress.

But other drivers’ routes have nothing to do with me; and in fact, Choice B is no less stressful than Choice A … Choice B just tricks me into thinking that I’ll get home faster because my wheels are turning more.

When I worry about what others are doing, my focus strays from my own route and pace.

And being able to maintain that focus is something to cherish.