Recently, I shared a reflection on Facebook. I thought little about it afterward and went on with life, letting it slip into the background. Now, as I approach the final stages of publishing my book, Beach Nights and Blue Lights, these words have resurfaced, resonating with all I’ve been through since starting this writing thing.

Writing this book was more challenging than I expected. From navigating the learning curve of actually writing the book to mustering the dedication to finish it, each step was an unanticipated journey. An even bigger leap came next: deciding to publish. The doubts crept in—Who am I to write a book? Do I know enough to be an author? Those questions still linger, but I’ve come to see that’s okay. The real value wasn’t just in completing the book; it was in how the experience nudged me to change course, even at 72 years old.

Had someone told me a few years ago that I’d take on a project like this, I would’ve laughed. But as this reflection reminds me, sometimes we need to change lanes in life. By staying in one place for too long, we risk missing out on opportunities that could be right next to us. Shifting out of my comfortable lane and into the unfamiliar has deepened my appreciation for the journey itself.

Reflecting on that initial post, I’m reminded of the simple message: Don’t be afraid to change lanes now and then. You never know what new perspective you’ll find. Who knows, that small shift might be exactly what you need.

Life in Three Lanes

While driving east on Interstate 40 near Durham, I noticed how life often mirrors the highway’s three lanes, each representing a different way of moving through the world.

The Inside Lane–Taking It Slow

The inside lane is for those who take their time, unhurried by destinations or deadlines. These people savor life, soaking in each moment and enjoying the small details others miss. They might be the ones who stroll leisurely, work at their own pace, and appreciate life’s everyday beauty. They know how to pause and find joy in the present.

But staying in the slow lane can mean you miss chances to grow. If you never challenge yourself to move faster or venture beyond the familiar, you may look back and wonder what might have been, with a line of “what-ifs” in your rearview mirror.

The Fast Lane–Life in Overdrive

On the other side is the fast lane, where life flies by at high speed. This lane is for the ambitious—the ones who live for the next big thing, eyes always fixed on the next goal. Picture someone constantly chasing opportunities, always pushing forward with no time to slow down. Every second counts, and there’s a relentless drive to keep moving.

While there’s value in ambition, living solely in the fast lane has its trade-offs. Relationships, health, and inner peace can be casualties of the nonstop push for progress. When you’re always looking ahead, you can miss the satisfaction of being in the present, and life becomes a blur as you rush past.

The Middle Lane–The Daily Grind

Most people find themselves here, in the middle lane, maintaining a steady rhythm. They’re not rushing ahead, nor are they taking it slow—they’re simply handling their responsibilities, day by day. These are the routine-keepers, the people who keep the wheels turning and make sure life runs smoothly for everyone else. They show up, work hard, and live their lives with little fanfare.

The middle lane is comfortable, but it’s easy to get stuck here, doing the same thing day after day. Falling into routine can lead to stagnation, where life seems to just happen rather than being something you actively shape.

There’s no right or wrong lane in life. Each has its purpose. The problem comes when we grow too comfortable in one lane, hesitant to switch when it’s time for a change. To grow, we need to be willing to step out of our usual lanes now and then. If you’ve been cruising in the middle lane, maybe it’s time to move over to the fast lane, to push yourself and pursue a new goal. Likewise, if you’ve been charging ahead in the fast lane, perhaps it’s time to slide into the slow lane, to pause and reflect.

Every lane has its own perspective, and switching gives us the chance to see life differently. Sometimes, stepping into an unfamiliar lane opens up new opportunities we haven’t considered. Changing lanes can be unsettling, but it’s the only way to avoid stagnation. Life, after all, isn’t just about reaching a destination quickly, but about the experiences we gather along the way.

One of life’s greatest regrets is looking back and asking, “What if?” What if you had taken a chance? What if you had tried a different path or stepped into another lane? Regret over missed opportunities can weigh heavily. The good news? It’s never too late to change lanes. Whether you’re 25 or 95, there’s always room to try something new or pursue a dream. Life has no set timetable—what matters is being willing to move when the time feels right.

Switching lanes isn’t always easy. Leaving the comfort of what we know can be intimidating, even if what we know isn’t fully satisfying. But staying in one lane limits our view. Some of life’s most rewarding moments come from stepping into the unknown.

Life has a way of surprising us when we’re open to change. So don’t be afraid to shift lanes. You never know what perspective you’ll gain until you try. And who knows? Maybe that little shift will lead you to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Like write that book you know is in you.