In the modern world, it is easy to feel like a passenger: reacting to notifications, responding to demands, consuming whatever you happen to drive past on your screen.
But joy is found in being the driver. It’s the act of looking at the raw material of your circumstances — your time, your energy, your relationships, your skills — and seeing what you can make from it.
It is the act of creating the life you want (in big and small ways) that makes you feel alive and imbues life with extra meaning. The fact that you can hold a vision in your mind and then, however imperfectly, bend reality a few degrees in that direction.
—James Clear
Yes! That works for me. It doesn’t have to be much, and it doesn’t have to be perfect — small steps count.
But one size doesn’t fit all — I’m guessing it wouldn’t appeal to a lot of people. Does any of what he writes resonate with you?
February 18, 2026
the first paragraph is what my life has been for the past year, and now I am finding ways to become a BETTER driver than I was for that year.
so yes, some of this does resonate with me… and I can see why all of it resonates with you…
You have been through a lot, and you are amazing!
…I have always felt like a fish swimming in the opposite direction.
Good for you!
For the past several years I have been the passenger. An odd place for me to be, but there we are.
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Being the designate driver does have its own risks LOL!
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Creating a life sounds like such a meaningful journey. I wonder how you captured those special moments along the way.
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I like this!
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I prefer being the driver….even though there are a lot of responsibilities in this position. Now that Sam is having serious health issues…I really am the driver. We all do what we have to do though.
Yes. I love your posts.
I totally identify with the first paragraph! The last few years, however, I’ve been unwillingly thrust into the role of driver. I like the idea of bending reality a few degrees!
That’s the part I like best. It doesn’t have to be monumental to count. 🙂
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this.
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Yes, it sometimes feels like life is taking us on a ride. And it can be hard to take charge. But it is true that life is what you make it!
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I do my best to take control of my own life and sometimes this involves making difficult decisions. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks. 🙂
Being the driver is working for me. Since my husband passed away and I’m living alone my life finally belongs to just me and I’m starting to discover what I do and don’t like
Good for you! 🙂
I am both at times.
But I wish that every time I can drive, I.can stay in that position.
I’m trying to do that right now…