Hi All,
Well, as you know I sold my car last month. It was totally the right thing to do. For my pocket book, my body, and eco - wise. However, I have been having some difficulty switching my brain over from car ownership to car freedom. I have all of these great options: city car share (just a 10 min walk / 2 min bike ride), Riding my bike, walking ( I live close to everything I need), and Bart/bus. Somehow I still feel stuck here at the house.
The strange thing is I only used that car like once a month, and only if I was going off Alameda Island. Why should its lack effect me so deeply? Why would I want to pay so much every day for something I don't use?
I was talking about this with my friend Jon S. and he said something about going against the socity norm. It was such a big thought that I don't remember his exact words. That was on Tuesday and it has finally sunk in. I am doing something different then most folks -- by choice. Makes me feel powerful and in control.
When I look at some of the aspects of my life it seems like that of a Victorian woman. I own a Millinery, ride my bike around, rent a room (with a watchful lady at the helm), even the foods I eat tend to be "slow foods." I guess that for me the big difference is that I am promoting the right to choose my transportation, not the right to vote.
There are ways that this right is just as important as other rights women have fought for. Some people are surprised that I ride my bike at night or in the rain. Or -- by myself -- a woman alone. I am surprised that I am strong enough to do it, even though it is not physically difficult (given where I live).
My mind is opening as my body is becoming even stronger and healthier.
Thank you for reading this long post.
Velo Love,
Mary
