Eavesdropping was not my intention. The conversation was taking place between two men standing directly behind me, so I couldn’t help overhearing at least part of it.
They were talking about the harsh winter road conditions and yet another March snowstorm. “Do you have snow tires?” one asked. The other replied he didn’t need them as he’d grown up in Winnipeg and knew how to drive in the snow.
The rest of their conversation faded as my mind processed this information. The knowledge and skill for driving in snowy conditions are good to have, but to my way of thinking, tires that give better traction would still be helpful.
I wondered how often I think I can do something on my own and fail to make use of the equipment or life tools available to help me be more effective.
Knowing what tools to use and actively using them are two different things. For example, I can grumble and complain about driving through the snow or pick up a life tool to allow me to see this from a different perspective. If I say, “I choose to drive for the benefit of spending the day with my grandchildren” the trip takes on a new meaning.
When a situation doesn’t turn out the way I’d hoped I can get upset or ask what I could do differently. There is more than one way to get from point A to point B and when I combine this knowledge with the skills I possess, I will have increased traction on the road of life.
“Even the simplest tools can empower people to do great things.” Biz Stone
I have M/S tires so not officially snow tires but meet the grade for highways, I believe! But your post makes me wonder if I take short-cuts often instead of using the better tools to do my best in all things. Thanks Tandy!
Lynn, we’d been using all season tires for several years and noticed a huge difference when we went to snow tires. That’s probably why overhearing the conversation made me wonder how many times I know what tools to use but don’t do it! Thanks for your comment.