Invisible Barriers

Reflections on a Stalled Car and the Power of Shifting Lanes

Writer and personal friend Seja Brumley joins us again to share how overcoming our fears may open up new possibilities we previously may not have seen. Seja writes:

I was driving home from a friend's place in Indianapolis. The day was beautiful, despite the crowded mess of I-465, the city's loop. An overhead sign warned of a stalled car in the right lane for the IN-37 exit, causing backups. Ironically, that was my exit, but I wasn't in a hurry, so I didn't mind. As I passed the last exit before mine, the backup started immediately. Cars lined up in the right lane, aware of the stalled car, creating a solid three-mile line before the exit.

While sipping on my iced latte, I suddenly needed to use the bathroom. Realizing I couldn't wait in the three-mile line, I decided to take the next exit for I-67 and backtrack my way home. I continued on, observing the cars patiently waiting in the right lane. Before reaching the IN-37 exit, I spotted the stalled car half a mile away, hazard lights on. Surprisingly, the exit was clear; the stalled car didn't block it, only the right lane leading up to it. I couldn't believe what I saw. A two-mile line of cars sat behind the stalled car, unaware that there was nothing blocking them. I only knew this because of my urgent need for a bathroom break. I smoothly exited at IN-37, used the facilities, and continued my journey home.

This experience made me reflect on how often we are stopped by invisible obstacles. How many times have we been deterred by signs or warnings, believing that progress would be difficult, when in reality, it wasn't? How often has society imposed limitations that prevent us from embracing our true selves or pursuing our dreams? How many times have we settled for contentment instead of chasing our desires? Sometimes, all it takes is moving to the left lane.

While I have embarked on exciting adventures and pushed my boundaries, there are still items on my life's to-do list. What deep-rooted ideas hold us back from pursuing them? Witnessing the stalled car and the line of cars behind it made me reevaluate the unseen barriers. I no longer want to accept limitations imposed by authority figures, society, or my own mind. I don't want to settle for the belief that things will be difficult. Instead, I want to embrace the brighter, more promising path of possibility.

So, what is your metaphorical stalled car? What keeps you confined to the right lane? It may be intimidating to uncover, but that's what life is about—facing our fears and doing the scary things. Let's face it together. I'm moving into the left lane, excited to overcome obstacles and progress without hindrance.

Question

1. What is one fear or belief that has been keeping you from pursuing your true desires?

Peace,

Seja