by Matt Preston 

There are a variety of ways to engage mental health in a motivated and positive way. Just the same, there are any number of ways one’s mental health can suffer, especially on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes the examples are even mundane, but something everyone can relate to, like getting stuck in traffic. It’s just how we deal with it that makes all the difference. 

In recently running errands with two family members, Passenger 1 (P1) and Passenger 2 (P2), we found ourselves caught in an unexpected and weird traffic jam in the area. Now had I been alone, I would have thought, “Yeah, this sucks, what’s on XTU?” and sung along, off-key, until traffic moved along again. Now I’m hardly a fan of traffic—and who really is—but you can either let something like this ruin your energy and day … or not. 

However, my other two passengers found that their entire existence became this traffic jam. When one minute became two, and then more, the topic was still the standstill … and by topic, I mean the vulgar and negative griping about said traffic. It’s all they could talk about, and consumed them and their entire beings. And I found this was one of those times you don’t want to live in the moment, especially when consumed by the negative. 

Then I found myself a bit surprised as P2 actually got out of the car, thinking to myself, “Yep, this is new, and probably not going to lead to good things.” Now he wasn’t losing his mind exactly, but to actually get out of a car in a sea of stopped vehicles thinking that would make them go somehow, well that’s when I check out. He didn’t go much beyond the door, but that he was going even that far was a sign of how frustrated he was, when it just wasn’t necessary. 

Now yes, it’s one of those things you had to be there to understand … And if you’re from a low traffic and or sparsely populated area, good for you, trust me. But because of the volume and people trying to make the light, when the light did turn some were stuck in the intersection, and we still couldn’t move for a while. So, it’s not exactly one person’s fault, and even if it is; again, it’s not the end of the world. 

Eventually P2 got back in the car; P1 and me just shook our heads while I felt compelled to break his stones a little bit—if nothing else to get that upset over something you can’t really control, definitely helps illuminate the better path to choose … and if you can’t engage the positive, then don’t completely cede your energy to the opposite. 

So, the complaining continued until I made the threat for them to just take the keys and I’d walk the rest of the way to our destination. I was serious, they weren’t that worried, but either way I love cardio and didn’t want to hear them complaining for much longer. Thankfully, that helped take things down a notch for the rest of the time. 

And that’s why I know it’s not an exaggeration to say it was the entirety of their existence. During that time, they were wading through frustration and anger, physically uncomfortable and stressed out, and energetically at an extremely low vibe. But wouldn’t you know it, the traffic eventually dissipated and that was that … until the next time, because we do live in Jersey after all, and aside from diners and superfund sites, we’re also known for having a bit of a traffic problem here and there. 

Matt Preston is a creative and professional writer from Gloucester Township in South Jersey. Writing is one of his passions; body, mind and soul wellness one of his goals; and belief in destiny his continual motivation. His website and podcast can be found @TheApatheticVegan.com.