Hit the road Jack!

Right before the start of the weekend, Friday evening at around 8 p.m., I was searching for an old email on a completely unrelated matter when I suddenly came across a message. It was an email on an ongoing delicate topic that I did not appreciate.

Over the weekend, this topic kept wobbling in my mind. I tried various ways to distract myself, but nothing worked. On Sunday, I had to drive my son to his friend’s birthday party. And then, an idea struck me…

It was a very cold (2 degrees Celsius) but sunny Sunday with a clear sky. I took my convertible Volvo out of the garage, dropped my son off at his friend’s house, put the top down, maxed out the heating, and started driving north. I didn’t have a destination in mind; I just wanted to drive through the beautiful vineyards of the Beaujolais region, about 40 km north of Lyon.

Avoiding the main roads, I drove slowly to minimize the freezing wind and played some calm music from my favorite arias playlist.

On the road, I still didn’t know where I was heading. Eventually, I decided to go to the first village that came to mind—Theizé. When I arrived at the center, I found nothing open, so I continued to the next village. Again, nothing was open. I went on to the next one, still not knowing exactly what I was looking for. Finally, I reached the beautiful village of Oingt. I parked the car and started walking through the narrow, medieval streets. Everything was closed—it was Sunday, after all. While wandering aimlessly, I noticed a “cave à bière” (a beer cellar). I opened the door, and although all the tables seemed occupied, I asked the lady at the bar. She kindly offered me a stool, which I gladly accepted, as it was freezing outside.

Soon after, a couple came in and took the last two stools next to me. We had a pleasant discussion about craft beers and different breweries. After finishing my ginger beer, I hit the road again, heading back home.

Initially, I wanted to drive slowly on the back roads, just as I had done earlier. However, instinctively, I found myself driving faster (within the speed limits) and taking the main roads.

As I drove back, I realized that I had found my answer to the question that had been troubling me all weekend. I wasn’t sure whether it was the right or wrong answer, but it felt reasonable, and I had solid reasoning to back it up. On the way home, I tested my answer against different scenarios, and it still held up.

When I got home, I explained my reasoning to my wife, and she agreed with me. (Believe me, that doesn’t happen often! 😉)

So, I was happy. More than happy, I had peace of mind. I don’t know how things will turn out in the coming days, but for now, I am at peace.

Why am I telling you all this? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. (And no, I’m not going to relate it to any sales situation.)

Maybe it might help someone who is stuck in their thoughts and looking for a way out. 

Who knows…