One of the wisest things you can do is to be present in your life.
Accidents and mistakes happen when you are distracted and not paying attention.

Technology is a double edged sword.  It offers many benefits of instant communication, access to information, shopping, maps and directions, etc.  However people also abuse technology.  Look around at how many people are sitting at a table together and instead of being with each other, they are texting and on the internet.  People are developing computer and cell phone phobias.  It is sad that so many young people are so busy checking their cell phones so often that they miss the opportunity that life is presenting them with.  Certainly their quality of communication, relationship and intimacy is being impaired.

I live in Southern California and it is amazing how many people are still driving while talking on their cell phone or texting when laws were passed making it illegal.  Even using a hands-free device with your phone while driving is still extremely dangerous and distracting.  This is how accidents happen.  Even worse, people are texting while driving which is more risky.  In reality, people are risking their lives and others and for what?

Today I had an experience that I want to share with you.  I was parked in a small parking lot in the end space.  I got into my car to leave and before backing up, I noticed that a woman two spaces down had already started backing out of her space so I waited for her to leave first.  She backed up and instead of driving forward and away, she just stopped her car in the middle of the parking lot and was now completely blocking my car.  I waited a few seconds and could not figure out what she was waiting for, as there were no other cars moving or people walking in the area.  After being patient, I honked my horn and she didn’t even look up.  I noticed that the person looked to be a senior and waited a little while longer.  She still did not start driving away or at least move her car so I could back out of my space.  Not to mention she was stopped in the middle of the parking lot blocking both lanes.  I honked again, this time a little longer and louder and still she did not even look up.  It was at this point that I noticed she had her cell phone in her hand and was texting or something.

At first I found it funny and then realized how dangerous, inconsiderate and totally inappropriate it was.  I actually had to get out of my car and walk over to her.  She did not even see me standing by her car door and waving at her.  Then she finally looked up and realized what she was doing and was embarrassed and gestured she was sorry and then drove off to park in another open space to continue her texting.  It would have been wise for her to either not start backing out of her space so she could complete her activity or back out and then realize she needed to do something and park safely before texting or using her cell phone.

Life is short and precious.  So many of us are inappropriately using our technology and hurting ourselves and others.  The frequency of car accidents is scary and texting increases the risk of accident to be greater than being drunk and driving.

Being on a cell phone while driving and especially texting while driving is insanity.
Please, use your common sense.  The life you save may be your own or it may be another sacred being.

with love and respect,
Lee
The MEGA Coach