Find Your Own Normal
Once upon a time getting a new vehicle was at the top of my list, then a pandemic was announced & I realized how much I actually didn’t need a vehicle. When I tell you guys I used to stress myself theee eff out about cars, you have no idea. I felt so out of control at times, especially when there was an issue. Then my parents reminded me who the eff I was, my dad called me, “The Point Man”, my mom never let me forget, I created a new normal then nothing was the same!
Within the first few weeks of not having a car, I began noticing major changes: I was more organized, more on time than before, saved hella money & got more fitness in. These were unintentional changes, so I became more mindful of them to create new habits.
I was actively in the process of leasing a new vehicle. Ironically enough, the same weekend I was returning to a dealership, two things occurred:
The pandemic was declared
My Supervisor left a message informing we’ll be working from home (WFH), until further notice
So of course, I took a moment to evaluate everything, called the dealership & rescheduled my appointment two weeks out. “Let’s see what this COVID situation does!” Two weeks later, “Let’s reschedule for mid-April!” Mid April… “Can you cancel my appointment please & pull the paperwork?!” At this point, I wasn’t leaving my home, heck, none of us were! So why waste money by giving myself a new bill…when I could use the money to invest instead?! Not to mention, a major lesson I learned—cars are depreciating assets, they lose value as soon as you leave the lot.
As the world began opening again, I quickly considered a vehicle but soon realized, I was allowing the excitement of “being outside” to dictate my decision.
Three factors still occurred:
We were (are) still in a pandemic.
I was still WFH.
Going out was never a factor. I always ended up Ubering if I were out drinking (I don’t play about drinking & driving). I Ubered to/from Modeling gigs as well because I would be so sleepy.
I spend at lot of time in airports.
All of the stores I need & love are in my neighborhood, along my running route.
Always remember, your normal may not be the normal that many people are used to. Different strokes for different folks. Heck, I know plenty of people who can’t even think of not having a vehicle because it doesn’t suite their lifestyle.
Not having a vehicle has been an important part of my journey, as I’ve experienced & met many people along the way & they’ve taught me a lot. Am I against having a vehicle? Not at all, but it’s no longer at the top of my list or a concern. Also, I’m kinda addicted to having someone drive me around, while I get work done in the back!!
Do I plan to get a new vehicle? One day, yes. Right now, no I’ve actually always felt that I’d win my next car. So when I do, I’ll definitely link you back to this post! However, I’m sure I’ll still be Ubering on the weekends!
Tell me, do you have a normal, that isn’t so normal?
Chat soon!
xoJR
