A Long Drive Ahead

I am usually the type of person who enjoys long drives, especially at night when there are barely any cars on the road. It’s just you and your thoughts, driving together—at peace and at war at the same time. It feels like pure freedom, being able to drive as fast or as slow as you want without anything blocking your way. It’s a moment where limits seem optional, and you’re left with the weight of your own choices. I drove at 110 mph for the first time at 4 a.m.—just for a second or two—and while it was exhilarating, there was a flicker of fear about what could go wrong. I slowed down afterward, but the feeling of breaking free, even momentarily, lingered.

I was driving back from a trip where I met people I deeply admire. On the inside, I sometimes wrestle with the thought that their achievements feel so far beyond what I could ever reach. They’ve built something remarkable over years of dedication, and when I compare it to what I’ve achieved in a much shorter span, it’s easy to feel small in comparison. But I’ve come to realize that it’s the accumulation of choices I’ve made along the way that has brought me to this exact moment. Those choices—good, bad, or neutral—have shaped where I am today.

One thing I learned from the experience is the importance of balance: striving to grow, yet staying true to yourself. I think a lot about what it means to inspire and support others. I hope to one day embody that same sense of leadership, to guide others toward their own version of success—not just by providing answers but by helping them become the best versions of themselves.

I also reflect on the kind of relationships I want in my life. It’s not about needing someone else to feel complete, but about two whole people coming together and enhancing each other’s lives. A partnership where love, support, and growth flow freely. That’s the kind of relationship I aspire to build someday.

Driving alone at night has a way of bringing out these thoughts. It’s not just about the road ahead but also the road within. Every mile is a chance to reflect, dream, and decide which direction I want my life to take.