the old and the new ... in cars and friends

So, it's amazing how comfortable we get with our things. i had my last car - an suv - for over fifteen years. at the end, the door didn't close properly, we had no heat, it smelled, it sometimes leaked, the tranny was iffy and we couldn't use windshield wiper fluid. the worse was the summer. it would start up and get me to my destination but there was no guarantee it would start again to get me home. still i loved my car. it was amazing in the winter. it would get me through snow or ice. i never worried about sliding or getting stuck in snowbanks or drifts.

but my old car died and i had to buy something new.in the end,  i brought a pretty little something for not much money since i am not a car fan. i bought just something to get me to and from my destinations.

we are now in the midst of winter. i have a new little car. no 4 wheel drive. no front wheel drive. and,what a difference. it's a cute little car and i love it but i won't take it out in bad weather. with no 4/all wheel drive, driving in bad weather (snow covered or icy roads) means the possibility of sliding and sliding means the chance of an accident. i'm staying home whenever i can.

i must say it makes me think about how much we trust the things we are used to even when others think we are crazy. i also realize how new things can be intimidating or worrisome because of our unfamiliarity with them...even if they are considered the newest , latest and the greatest.

i figure if i am like that about my car ...trusting and hanging on to the old and suspicious of the new, i must be like that about life. and as i think about this, i know that it's true - i have a hard time letting go and moving on. i don't make new friends easily. i like the things i am used to and don't do change. still change can be a good thing. my new car is clean, warm and smells good. it is good on gas, is comfortable to sit in on long distances and is a great color. my friends will ride in it with me and others acknowledge it when i am on the road. my new car is a good thing.

so, i will try to remember that as the winter trudges on with snow and ice. similarly i will try to remember that in my day to day living. some things are nice to keep the same and some things are better to change. i just have to learn to appreciate when is which. letting go teaches you to let go faster and easier with each new attempt and being happy with the things you don't change teaches you to appreciate what you have. it is all a balancing act.

and ... today ...while i sit here laughing at myself for not going to an appointment because i was reluctant to drive my car over slightly icy roads, i will forgive myself for not trusting the new and missing my old car. i will appreciate the positiveness and possibilities of new things. i will let go of the old. i will appreciate balance in my life.

it's like old friends and new friends. there is a place for both.