A few years ago, I had a miscarriage and it was very painful. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, I was challenged, drained, and hollowed out. It was a rocky time for me and my memories are predominantly of me sitting on my bed with a box of tissues, reading back issues of The New Yorker, journaling, and crying my eyes out.

During this time, I had an amazing dream - or maybe it was an intense meditation experience, it's hard to tell now. In it, I was in outer space. I was flying through galaxies and star clusters, and came closer and closer to a massive, giant, white, opaque, Buddha-like figure that was centered on a platform.

When driving, I am struck by the similarities between driving and life -- here are 8 ways that I think reflect who you are as a driver and how you are living your life.

1) Planning before you go.

Where I live, town is 13 miles away so every trip in, I need to plan accordingly: stop at the post office, bank, grocery store, and any other business. Do you plan your trips? Do you plan your life?

2) Showing courtesy.

Lane changes, very clear signaling, following posted signs -- they all add up to being courteous and respectful of other drivers. Are you courteous to the people in your life?

3) Being friendly.

For all successful and success-oriented women, the one prioritized action item I recommend you do is FOCUS your efforts.

By FOCUS, I mean:

F – Follow your passions
O – Overcome obstacles
C – Continue your Growth
U – Understand Systems
S – Share your Knowledge

"I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward somone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heals our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives." --Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

+ Who do you love? 

+ Who do you live for?

+ What makes you happy?

+ Where are you in your life, and where are you heading?

+ How do you intend to live this day, and every day?

+ Why do you exist?