Africa……. What are you thinking?
When I was eighteen and starting driving more
than just to work and back home, I was counselled to never let my gas tank go below half-full. I remembered his advice, and when on road trips I also used to keep track of spaces on the highways in the USA where there were fewer gas stations.
I believe there was one area south of Bakersfield, CA on the interstate #5 where I noticed there were no gas stations for nearly 175 miles so I temporarily took a different highway.
Instead of going through the mountains there on the interstate I went around to the east through a number of small towns and on the map it was 50 miles shorter, bonus! , plus felt more relaxed.
Today I am thinking about gas tanks,
and I remember that running out of gas is a stressful mind space to be in. Ever since I was nearly stranded on a gravel road out of gas, I am more aware of my gas tank. That one time, my gas tank had been hovering below empty for ten minutes. It’s all I could think about! The last 30 minutes of that drive on back roads had me tight like a guitar string. Finally I found a gas station but by then I was all tense and, super stressed. I pledged that day I would avoid that feeling from then on, and be more careful.
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What if I had a “calm” tank or an “empathy” tank?
I haven’t heard the sound for a long time, but in some cars when the gas tank gets really low, there is a “bong” and a light on the dashboard. A warning to catch my attention.
I could use a warning to remind me when my calm tank needs a walk in nature.
I could use that alert also to remind me to refill my “empathy” tank, and give more understanding.
I don’t usually go below a quarter of tank in my car,
I fill up with gas around then and as a consequence I don’t need to look at the gas gauge for at least a few days. Yay ! A full tank leaves me relaxed, and more confident while driving, one less thing to be concerned about.
I think that is where checking my Calm tank, and Empathy tank periodically makes sense. – I am going to be more conscious of my calm tank, and empathy gauge.
If they are getting low, I will heed the gauge warnings and refill quickly.
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Thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today – definitely filing this one away under the category “Thinking Out Loud“. – hugs! – David
Life and Random Thinking 
Yup, good point we all need to fill our tanks from time to time.
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Thanks Andrew! Just like you did on your trail walk.
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Yes, it’s so important. Retirement has allowed me to refill mine. Still working on it!
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Oh yeah! Retired is new for you, I hope you learn quickly to not feel guilty if you have a day where you are not “productive “ 🤗
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For sure. 🙂 I love the lake photos.
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You have the Okanagan in your heart! Stock up on Summerland pancake syrup and jam for the cold mornings up north.
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I will – planning to this week. 🙂
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Love the analogy here David. It is so important to refill our tanks, for running on empty in any regard is going to get us into trouble very soon! 🤗
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Thanks Lynn, isn’t there a song out there called “Running on empty?” hug!
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Wonderful idea David! I believe you can’t give to others what you haven’t given to yourself. This includes forgiveness, compassion, and love. Love this “fill up the tank” metaphor. It’s perfect! Thank you for sharing your ideas, C
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It’s a pleasure to read your comments Cheryl. You are so encouraging! Hug!
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Good advice! I just filled the tank on my (new) motorcycle! Frequent oil changes don’t hurt either 🙂
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I saw the pics of your new bike! Very cool! I had a wonderful ride today with David, we took time to give thanks for life from way above Okanagan lake. Big thanks for the wonderful friend you are!
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I also think I am running on empty in several areas. Thanks for the reminder. ❤️
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We all need reminders Lisa, thank you for encouraging my blog writing. ♥
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get an electric? Love the song as well!
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I have an electric bike LOL
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pedal onward and upward!
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I like the sound of that👍
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me2!
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I try to keep my tank at least 1/2 full, because you never know when something could happen to make you leave your area (like a hurricane) and all the gas is gone.
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That is great thinking and planning. It must feel less stressful to have some preparation done in advance. – thanks Geri for your comment.
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