I’d rather be late in this life, than early in the next.

We’ve all experienced it. You’re cruising along on the highway at the posted speed limit, and all of a sudden a vehicle appears in the passing lane, seemingly out of nowhere, and blows by you.

Why the hurry?

In those moments, I envision a driver that has never experienced a serious motor vehicle accident or has never been on the receiving end of that devastating and life-changing phone call. They must consider themself as invincible.

Now picture this – It’s nighttime on an icy highway with reduced visibility, drifting snow, and impromptu whiteout conditions, your nerves are completely shot, and a truck blows by you.

Why the hurry?

Where are they going that is so critically time-sensitive that they jeopardize their own safety and that of others?

The reality is, there are very few things in this life that are that time-sensitive to justify putting yourself (and others) at risk. Very few things.

A couple of years ago I heard the expression, “I’d rather be late in this life, than early in the next.” and it has had a profound impact on me. I don’t recall the exact moment I heard it, but I imagine it was a piece of wisdom shared ‘just in time’. I was likely hurrying about and being impatient, and overestimating my importance.

I’ve shared this little nugget of wisdom to many friends and family since and it has always garnered the same response, “That makes perfect sense”.

That icy highway I mentioned earlier, well that was me and my husband on Saturday. My nerves were shot. And I said those words out loud – to him, to the universe, to the passing vehicles.

We are in the middle of the Winter season here in Canada. It’s never fun to drive in messy winter conditions. Our driving skills and patience are constantly being tested, especially in Winter. Granted, some stuff is just out of our control. But for anything that is within our control, we must protect it and hold it safe.

We are not invincible. None of us are.

Four-wheel drive does not give you a superpower.

There are few things in life that are worth risking your life for.

I’m passing this wisdom nugget, and hope that it resonates with you, the way it did with me. We can all use a reminder to slow down, be more patient, and give ourselves more time to get where we’re going.

It’s simple – “I’d rather be late in this life, than early in the next.”

If you find yourself in the driver seat and your foot is on the gas pedal, just remember, it’s better to get there late in this life than early in the next.

Safe driving this winter season, and always.

With gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole