WHO IS DRIVING YOUR RED CAR

Who is driving your Red Car?

 (Nkoyo Ekpo Msc, Acipm)

Imagine for a moment that you’re driving down a winding road on a bright sunny day. The windows are down, the wind is tousling your hair and you feel a sense of freedom as you navigate the twists and turns ahead. But then, you look in the rear view mirror and see something unexpected, a red car following closely behind you. You glance again, and to your shock, you realise that there is no one behind the wheel. So, the question arises: Who is driving your red car?

Today, I invite you to embark on a metaphorical journey with me as we explore the concept of self-awareness, personal responsibility and the choices that shape our lives.

In this scenario, the red car symbolises our lives, the vehicle through which we navigate the world. And just like any car, it requires a driver. But who is that driver? Is it our conscious mind? Steering us towards our goals and aspirations? Or is it something deeper, more subconscious, perhaps driven by our past experiences, fears and desires?

Often, we go about our lives on autopilot, reacting to external circumstances without stopping to consider who is truly in control. We blame external factors, our upbringing, society, or even luck for the direction our lives take. But what if I told you that that power to drive our red car lies within us?

Self-awareness is the key that unlocks the driver’s seat of our lives. It’s about pausing to reflect on our thoughts, emotions and behaviours and understanding how they shape our experiences. When we become aware of the patterns and beliefs that govern our actions, we gain the power to change course and take control of our destiny.

But self-awareness alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by personal responsibility.The willingness to take ownership of our choices and consequences. It’s easy to play victim, to blame others or circumstances for our misfortunes but true empowerment comes from acknowledging that we are the architects of our own lives, that every decision we make has an impact, not only on ourselves but also on those around us.