10 Surprising Ways Cruise Control is Like Navigating Uncertainty in America Right Now

Are you feeling "Heavy"with the constant unpredictability of life? It can feel like driving a car with the cruise control set while the road continuously shifts beneath you. Just as you might set your speed and prepare for the journey ahead, navigating today’s uncertainties requires a steadfast approach and ideas to be better. From economic changes to social movements, understanding how to maintain control can help you stay on track. I said to myself... there has to be a few ideas on how to keep saying through all these changes so I made this.

1. Setting the Pace

Cruise control lets you maintain a steady speed on long drives. Similarly, during times of uncertainty, finding your pace is critical.

Most of us have to go to work, take care of ourselves, take care of our parents or our children and doing all of that on top of things being expensive is exhausting. Some people cannot afford the basics right now. There's a lot going on with ICE picking up people who have families, businesses, and homes and what is going to happen with their life? I think really assuming who belongs in the United States and who doesn't belong in the United States is slightly redundant at this point. Our country is so diverse and a lot of foreigners help this country run and maintain its day-to-day. Most foreigners who live here, are some of the most hard-working people I've ever seen. We're just supposed to go to work, the store, out while we see people getting picked up in groups, just because they're at work, or they're going to a graduation for their child. They're never going to be seen again and there's no level of communication or humanity that's given to them. I hate that, its the saddest thing to see.

Establishing a rhythm—balancing work, family, and personal time—can prevent you from making hasty choices that lead to burnout. Physically being burnt out is one thing, but mentally being burnt out by the choices of this government is a whole other thing.

2. Keeping an Eye on the Road

When using cruise control, you cannot zone out; you must stay alert. This is just as important in uncertain environments. I tried to journal a bit more, do my calendars in a more detailed way, so I'm sure about what's coming up and what my choices are going to be. I do a good job of remembering what my goal is. The next step is making that goal into smaller goals that I can just make a "to-do list" for. When the world is like this, I have to feel productive. I have to feel like something in my life is moving forward for me when I can't control everything else.

Being informed about political developments or economic trends can arm you with the knowledge to respond effectively. For instance, the inflation rate rose to 9.1% in mid-2022, significantly impacting household budgets. Staying aware allows you to adjust your financial plans accordingly.

3. Anticipating Obstacles

A good driver using cruise control effectively anticipates braking for obstacles ahead. In real life, this means being proactive about potential challenges. The girl been moving money around like you move around your pieces when you play dominoes. I've been paying things ahead and when I can, I pay a little bit more just to give myself some cushion. I have to tell myself to remain grateful that I have the ability to do these things in the moment.

Staying updated on economic forecasts can help you prepare for downturns. For instance, the unemployment rate spiked to 14.7% in April 2020, a clear signal for many to reassess their job security and savings. Preparing for such occurrences can help you navigate difficulties with more control.

4. Staying Calm Under Pressure

Cruise control can make long journeys less stressful. Similarly, finding calm in chaos is essential. Oh my goodness I think I've been having crying days for like the past two weeks. But you know because I'm a woman and I have a Cycle I have to put a little bit of credit towards that. But my best way of staying calm is taking a nap. If you can take some days off of work.

Practices such as mindfulness and exercise can help. Regular physical activity can improve your overall mood, reducing anxiety levels by up to 30%, making it easier to focus on challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Adjusting When Necessary

Flexibility is vital when plans change. I feel sorry for the people who need life to go exactly how they planned it because I know they are somewhere screaming, having several drinks, are using their favorite substances. I'm the type of person that has to create in order to feel like my day was worth something. For example, if a job opportunity shifts due to market conditions, being ready to pivot and embrace alternative paths—like upskilling or exploring remote work—can lead to new possibilities.

6. Avoiding Distractions

Using cruise control means staying focused on the road ahead. In our media-rich world, filtering out distractions is equally important. I'm not gonna lie TikTok and other social media has been a huge distraction on how I feel. The changes that I'm going through because I don't know. I just sometimes wanna feel like something is normal.

Consider social media news consumption; studies show that dopamine from likes can become addictive. Staying focused on what truly matters—personal growth, community involvement—can keep you motivated and on track.

7. Seeking Guidance

New drivers often consult manuals or experienced peers about cruise control features. This curiosity should also extend to managing life’s uncertainties. Don't be afraid to talk to other people that you're cool with about what they have going on just to see how you can help or how you can brainstorm a better way to deal with what's on their plate. So you can feel useful to someone else if you don't feel useful to yourself.

Seeking guidance from experts can ground your decisions. For instance, in uncertain financial times, consulting with a financial advisor can yield clarity on investments and savings strategies, empowering you with knowledge to navigate turbulent markets.

8. Fueling Up for the Journey

Cruise control works best when the vehicle has enough fuel. Similarly, you need to stay energized mentally and emotionally in times of uncertainty. I can feel when my body is a result of how I've been eating, sleeping or just not caring. So fueling up properly is just like increasing your water intake, eating more fruits, getting more rest.

Engaging in hobbies or connecting with loved ones can recharge your spirit. Activities like painting or gardening not only relieve stress but also foster creativity, which can be pivotal during challenging periods.

9. Understanding When to Take a Break

Cruise control doesn’t negate the need for breaks. Similarly, self-care is essential during stressful times.

Research shows that taking regular breaks can enhance productivity by about 34%. When feeling overwhelmed, step back, take a walk, or indulge in a favorite book to recharge your brain.

10. Embracing Life

Lastly, using cruise control allows you to focus on the full journey, not just the destination. Embracing uncertainty can open you to new pathways and opportunities.

Life lessons learned during these unpredictable times can lead to personal growth. By reflecting on experiences, you might discover a newfound passion or community involvement that weren't on your radar before. As we live in these unpredictable waters together, the principles of cruise control serve as a helpful metaphor. By setting a steady pace, staying alert, and embracing adaptability, we can tackle the challenges life throws our way more effectively. Keep creating and embracing what is.

Remember, while we may not have all the answers, maintaining a clear direction helps us manage whatever comes next.