My Commute – A Daily Reset
Every weekday morning, I slip into the driver’s seat and close the door, feeling the gentle hush that comes with the start of my commute. It’s a short drive, but in the midst of a life that’s always in motion—balancing a demanding medical career, two lively children, and the endless cycle of home routines—these minutes in the car have become a cherished pocket of time, just for me.
As a physician, my days are filled with the needs of others. At home, my children’s laughter, questions, and sometimes squabbles fill the air, and there’s always a meal to cook, a floor to sweep, or a load of laundry waiting. I love the fullness of my life, but I’ve learned that to truly show up for my patients and my family, I need to carve out small spaces for myself. My commute is one of those spaces.
Most mornings, I start the car and cue up a podcast. I have a rotating playlist that reflects my many interests: news quizzes like “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” for a dose of humor and current events, “Hidden Brain” for insights into psychology and human behavior, “Planet Money” for a fresh take on economics, and “Experts InSight” for the latest in ophthalmology. Sometimes I’ll listen to “The Devdutt Pattanaik Show” or “Gita for Daily Living” to reconnect with my roots in Hindu philosophy, or tune into a podcast on writing or small business to nurture my creative and entrepreneurial sides.
When the kids are in the car, the playlist shifts. We listen to “Who Smarted?” or other educational shows, and I love hearing their questions and giggles from the back seat. These shared moments, even in traffic, feel like little gifts—reminders that learning and laughter can happen anywhere.
The drive home is different. After a day of patient care, decision-making, and the constant hum of onscreen time, I crave quiet. I turn off the podcasts and let the silence settle. Sometimes I’ll roll down the window and let in the breeze, feeling the day’s tension begin to melt away. I use this time for simple breathing exercises—pranayam—focusing on the rhythm of my breath and the feel of the steering wheel beneath my hands. It’s a moving meditation, a way to reset my mind and body before I step back into the role of mom, chef, and household manager.
By the time I pull into the driveway, I feel recharged. I’m ready to greet my family, to dive into homework help, dinner prep, and the bedtime routine. I try to bring the same presence and care to my home life that I do to my work, though I’ll admit that some evenings are more successful than others. There are days when the house is a mess, dinner is late, and exercising has been given a miss. But I’ve learned to give myself grace, to celebrate the small victories, and to find joy in the everyday chaos. And for that, I am grateful.
