The Necessity of Speed Bumps
I slow down to drive over speed bumps. Otherwise, the top of my head could hit the car ceiling, which is embarrassing, and slightly painful. I learned that lesson in my teens.
Have you heard of mental speed bumps?
Recently, I joined a virtual meeting on Zoom. I’d attended in the past, without incident. After joining from my laptop, I noticed a video delay in my words. I logged out. Oh-oh. Logging back in was not an option. A prompt asked for my password. It didn’t work and soon, I was officially locked out.
I called my local tech expert, and we agreed I’d bring my laptop in later. For now, I had another laptop to use. And another meeting coming up.
I set up laptop No. 2 prior to my next meeting. Then I noticed an email message from the host. A kindly message reminding me that she awaited my arrival. She must have mixed up the times, or so I thought. In fact, I was mixed up. The meeting had started ten minutes ago!
No worries – I’m getting to the part about mental speed bumps.
When I took my laptop to my tech expert, she found nothing wrong. It worked fine. What?
I drove home slowly, asking the Universe, “What’s my problem?” Two words sprang to mind: speed bumps. Huh? It took me a minute, but then I knew. My mind had been speeding with unworthy thoughts: “I’ve got so much to do!” “How will I get through it all?” “Do it faster!” “HURRY!”
Mentally, I’d reverted to my teenage self and raced everywhere, over everything, and practically ran over myself, causing my brain power to go haywire. Time to pause and reflect. 
I slowed and edited my thoughts, asking, “Is this a constructive, positive thought?” Next, I implemented a calmness strategy: read something light and uplifting, bake blueberry muffins, walk in nature and take slow breaths. I worked at maintaining my tranquility and slowed my movements. I’m a work-in-progress, but I know the payoff is worthwhile. There is no going back because I’m keeping my mental speed bumps in place.
