My mom used to say this to me when I first got my driving permit in New Jersey. Even when it was 35 mph, she would still throw this line at me, and I still tease her about it (especially now that my little brother just got his permit).
The funny thing is, I really do think the speed limit is just a suggestion. It used to annoy me when I was 16, but now I get it - and not just on the roads. My neighborhood has a speed limit of who knows what (it's an old country back road, so you can pretty much go upwards of 55 if you want), and I watch people fly down it every day. Of course, I have to drive this road to get to my house, but I also run down it. The speed limit is a joke to me, and not because it holds me back, but because it's way too fast.
I'd rather slowly jog by the winding creek that flows next to and under the road as you meander down it and see the butterflies (whose populations are HUGE this year thanks to the winter snow) resting on the grass that hangs over the water.
I'd rather run next to the yearlings (deer) while they casually leap in the corn fields by the road.
I'd even rather run - actually sprint - by the skunk hole because sometimes, the momma comes out with her stinky babies. And despite the fact that their smell is rancid on my dogs (fun times), it is quite incredible and thrilling to run by such an allusive animal.
I see beauty when I treat the speed limit as a suggestion; I see things you only see in pictures. I find new patches of wild raspberries and blackberries every year so Zach can pick them for us (I like to search and find, he's more brave and willing to climb a cliff to get to them).
And so, when I was running yesterday, and several cars whizzed by me, I decided that I was the lucky one. I could see the art that nature produced while those drivers only focused on the twists and turns of the road (and hopefully on avoiding runners like me).
Then, I decided that my life needs to start being about ignoring the speed limit, and slowing down. After a year of teaching that felt like a constant battle of "when is Friday?", I decided to make my life interesting....and slow.
My suggestion? It's not that I think I'm right, but there is a peacefulness to a slow life. You see details you would've otherwise missed. So, walk with me.
