Today, life's demands are hectic and faster paced than they ever have been. Transportation is essential. The "soccer mom" has more places to go than any public transit system could efficiently and cost-effectively provide service to. Is this the life to which all families are consigned? I think NOT.

It's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activities that take place all over town and country. But it is a choice many make to avoid being left out. I suggest that being left out of the insanity of the race is a worthy thing to consider.

Sure, I could argue about the environmental benefits of non-driving. I could extoll the virtues of public transportation and carpools. But the most compelling reason not to drive is absolutely selfish. By choosing not to drive, I would give myself the gift of leisure.

I would not schedule back-to-back appointments with the salon and the mechanic on opposite sides of town. I would not have to say goodbye to the tens of thousands of dollars it costs to purchase, maintain and drive a car over the years. I would ride a cool recumbent trike to the library, to church and to the park with my kids. I would not have to feel guilty about having no time in my busy day to workout, since I spent too much time at my desk and behind the wheel, caught up in a virtual race that could easily be my physical downfall.

I would enjoy the fresh air outside. I would have time to make a home-cooked meal to enjoy with my family rather than squeeze in some take-out between stops and wave to members of my family as I taxi them here and there. We could have that front-porch-swinging freedom that comes from prioritizing activities. When there isn't time to do it all in a day - some of it may not need to be done.

At first it seems inconvenient to have to plan extra time to walk or bike. But when I got used to doing it, I enjoyed the time to think - not about the next appointment, but about whatever I wanted to. I could chat with a daughter or neighbor. I could say no to overextending myself with the PTA or work.

Not driving has advantages for the mind, the body and the family that can otherwise too easily be driven out of one's life. When all is said and done, it won't matter whether your children played every sport the neighbor children played... and every instrument... and were in every theatrical production. And it won't matter that you helped only with the book fair, but said no to the carnival.

Let others run their lives ragged and use their cars to do it. I would seriously consider stepping away from that useless chase and find the time to make life mean something. Enjoy it.

Learn more about this author, Chantel Rhodes.
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