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3. Plan for unexpected. Prior to leaving for my trip I made sure my road side assistance program was paid up and I had their card in my purse. I also took my cell phone with me and made sure I had car charger for it. You can't possibly anticipate everything that could happen to you on your journey. But you can put safe guards in place that will allow you to respond quickly to unexpected.
4. Check in with your friends. On my way to Youngstown, I stopped in Columbus to have lunch with a friend. This was a nice way to break monotony of ride. Your friends are there to support you. Take advantage of comfort and reassurance they can provide.
5. Allow your friends to check in on you. While I was driving I turned on my cell phone. Both my mother and my husband called me to see how my ride was going. Creating space for others to check in on you is a great reminder that you aren't alone on your scary journey. Don't let pride fool you into thinking you don't need support.
6. Enjoy journey. During my ride I saw beautiful parts of my home state that I'd never seen. I received a little geography lesson learning how different highways connect. I sang at top of my lungs to my favorite tunes from 80's. I actually had fun. While there were a couple of times when I wasn't sure what highway I was on or street I needed wasn't on map, that didn't negate joy of journey.
On my way back, I drove straight home with no stopping. It wasn't easy but making it to Youngstown a week earlier gave me all confidence I needed. I'm not sure if I would now consider myself a road warrior, but I now have one less thing to fear.
Myrtis Smith, the founder of Premeditated Life is a personal and career coach. Download her FREE eBook "Your Personal Success Guide" at www.premeditatedlife.com