Despite having gained a bit of confidence in driving a car last year itself, after I got my own car in January this year, it took me a good 5 months to start driving with full confidence! Even after that it has been only a step by step improvement. Starting with driving during daytime in non-peak hours and avoiding all flyovers and subways and the thought of the car getting stopped while releasing the clutch making an appearance every time I stopped in a signal, today I have reached a stage where I can drive at any time of the day anywhere with the music system in car playing loud music, which too I initially avoided. But I am still not comfortable with taking parking the car in reverse. 🙁 It looks like it’s going to take some more time and I am not worried about that.
The days of getting scolding from my dad for holding the steering so very tightly and looking tensed is gone. I am enjoying driving the car. Gone are the days of waiting for bus and autos and Saturdays have now become synonymous with going for shopping with my mom. Long time readers may remember how much I have always wanted to go to office by car with ARR’s music for company. Last month saw that little dream of mine coming true. If not everyday, I am now planning to go to office by car at least once every week.
The feel-good factor associated with finally being able to do something that you have always wanted to do is indeed a big confidence-booster that will motivate you to try out more things.
P.S.: The day I bought the car (Santro), I decided that I will not write about it here till I actually start driving it confidently. There is no point in having a car if you are scared to drive it!
Hmm..congrats..the fear of the car getting stopped while releasing the clutch – something I used to dread in several of my aborted attempts at learning to drive, dont know if I would ever get around to doing it some day..
Sathej
Congratulations! I started driving this summer and can totally relate to how liberating it is! Enjoy your drives with lovely music in the background 🙂
Congrats!
Driving in India is quite a challenge.
Hi..Aparna:D
Driving is always a cool things. I just love driving especially during late evening. At first i was scared tooo but now totally confident in driving. Every weekend, my mom always pull me out for shopping too. My dad was very relief cox of escape frm shopping time. hee.hee.hee
cool ! You are my role model from this moment on 🙂 I’m going to sincerely give this a shot one more time ..
Oh I can identify with this situation really well.. After all, the husband went through exactly the same phases.. If not more!!
Cheers to the shopping spreess!!
@All,
Thank you! 🙂 Nice to see comments from all you long-time readers even though am not blogging regularly anymore 🙂
Revathee,
Welcome to my blog! Happy driving!
Sangs,
🙂 All the best
Aparna,
🙂 Belated birthday wishes! 🙂
Happy Driving 🙂
Was waiting for your Endhiran exp!!!
Girish, Thanks. I have still not watched Endhiran.
drive safely..always wear helmet and look in the rear view mirror.
Interesting writing 🙂 For anything in life you need to BEGIN or START somewhere, after that it just continues…. wish u Safe driving..
@Ashwini
“We need to begin somewhere and then it continues”
Wise words indeed. I wonder why I never thought of this.
Manoj,
Welcome to my blog! Why would one wear helmet while driving a car? 😛
Ashwini,
Welcome to my blog! That’s true
Returning to India after a decade of life in US, I can relate to the difficulty of driving car in Chennai! Changing lanes at 80miles/hr in a 6-lane highway is nothing compare to steering your way through Chennai driving! It is a miracle! every split of sec counts in chennai driving! I guess you have to look for just one thing; Is there is space in front of you, then just drive on! I am yet to muster courage to drive! I envy you!!!
Naane,
Long time! Happy driving in Madras!