Icy roads, white knuckles and neck tension
(This post was written on Dec 28th, Due to a death in the family and our daughters wedding this is the first opportunity I’ve had to post it)
This morning I got up very early because I had a “30 min” drive to the airport, and allowing myself the 2 hour before flight time meant that I had to be up at 5 am out the door by 5:45 gives and extra 15 mins if roads are bad. No problem. Well it’s a good thing that I was ready 20 mins early. The news had been reporting that 6am-3pm the twin cities would be under a winter storm advisory. I figured our drive in would be easy-peasy and my husband might have a bit of weather to deal with on the way home.
The drive started out fine but about 15 mins in it starts to rain a little, no problem. I’ve lived in MN since I was 7 and my hubby has been here the last 24 years so we are totally fine with winter driving. Then we go over an overpass and the car starts to slide to the side, and up ahead of use we start seeing people’s hazard lights come on. So, my husband slows down, then slows down some more. We now understand why the hazards, it was completely unsafe to drive faster than 15-20 miles an hour. Next thing I know a huge garbage truck is sliding sideways in our direction. It almost hit us, as in less than a foot from us.
I’d like to say that I had the presence of mind to get my oils out at this point, but I did not. I spent the next half an hour watching out for cars that wanted to slide into us, and there were more than a few. We ended up stopped on the highway with a pile up in front of us, 2 cars tried to go around and almost slide into us. (I’m talking inches close to our car) Michael had to pull off into the grass at one point to avoid one car. Just the way the road was banked was enough that cars were sliding wiley-niley. A food truck slide into a park-and-go shuttle. And all the while I’m watching the time tick closer to us missing the flight. I’d love to say that I thought about grabbing my oils here, but again I was so stressed out I didn’t even think of it.
We finally got moving and were able to go around the 8-9 car pile-up and were so close to the airport I thought “Oh we are going to make it” Then I saw the line of red lights, then the emergency lights, and I knew that was going to be the end of it. Thankfully my son saw the “service” road sign and we were able to exit and take the service road for the airport.
We got out of the car at the hotel airport, took the skyway to the tram and were able to make our flight on time. The flight however was delayed 45 mins while they waited for the flight crew that was stuck in that 8-9 car pileup…yikes.
When I finally was able to calm down at the gate I realized a few things. First, I’m not sure that I put on deodorant this morning and mine is packed. On Guard Hand Sanitizing Mist to the rescue. It totally works in a pinch. If you’ve just shaved though it might sting a bit.
Next, I was stressed! That was a hard, stressful ride, so I pulled out my oils and went to work. A little Brave because well… I wasn’t feeling all that excited about Michael driving home. I’m not worried about his driving skills, he’s amazing. I did however witness a lot of people making very foolish choices and affecting others cars. I also just really love the aroma of Brave. I know its our kids blend but as Tara says “I was so Brave!”
I also noticed a lot of tension in my neck and jaw. I have a habit of clenching when stressed so I pulled out my Past Tense and applied it to both of those areas. I only wish I would have thought of it sooner.
So, today’s “Do you dōTERRA daily?” is a reminder that even the most diligent oil users can get overwhelmed and not think about the tools they have right in front of them until the crisis has passed. I’m just thankful that when I did think about what my body needed; I had those tools with me.
Side note… Got a call right before my plane took off that my son crashed my van, he is ok ? but the van is not drive-able. Hug your loved ones, cuddle up and stay warm. #doyoudoTERRAdaily
