Car Problems: Story and Reflection

Shortly after moving to Alaska and starting my core faculty role, I caused a traffic jam. You see, I had pulled onto the busy road in front of the residency and quickly maneuvered across three lanes of traffic to the two packed turn lanes in 5 o'clock traffic.

And then --- my car died - just as the arrows turned green!

So, I was literally blocking dozens of anxious drivers hoping to make the light and get home. I tried to restart the car - and nothing. I put on my flashers.

And that's when my brand-new boss (my PD) got out of his car, immediately behind me, to discover the problem-person was his new hire. 😬. Then another man came forward from a few cars back—it was my daughter's new friend's dad. (I was crushing my reputation with my new connections, - also a small world up here.)

The dilemma was how to get my car out of the busy road. There wasn't a median to push me, so they decided to push me across the other turn lane and three more lanes to get out of the traffic. 😳 And that's when yet another new connection - our referral specialist - all 5 foot 1 of her, called out to us from the other side. She stood in front of the stopped cars, arms out wide, halting all 3 lanes while the men pushed me across, and I steered. 🎉

After lots of "Thank you's," I called my mechanically skilled husband. Upon arrival, he found the cause - I was out of gas. 🤦🏼♀️

Now, there's a lot to reflect on here - good Samaritans, the power of a team, gratitude, courageous referral specialists, and how I always find myself in embarrassing situations despite it being my least preferred emotion.

But what I would like to highlight is the necessary fuel. I had a pattern of waiting until the needle was onEbefore stopping for gas. And, I'd push it further and further, hoping that E didn't really mean Empty - until I'd gone too far. (Yes, I said pattern. It's true; that was not the first time I'd run out of gas 🤷♀️).

Reflection: How many of us neglect self-care routines and wait for the warning lights to come on? And how many of us push past the warning lights because "now's not a good time to stop and refuel? There's too much to do...."

So, what's your equivalent to refueling at 1/4 tank of gas left? How do you bake that into your routines? What are your warning lights when life side-tracks your routine? What will help you pay attention before your empty? How will you refuel?

I'd love to hear. BTW, my current car is the only one in almost 40 years of driving that I haven't run out of gas. It's never too late to learn!

(Though I just drove past the gas station with less than 1/8 tank because "I had things I had to get done now" 😉. Old patterns occasionally re-emerge, but I will prioritize it tomorrow morning.)