30 Days of Gratitude: Day 3
30 Days of Gratitude: Day 3, originally uploaded by Unique-Muslimah.
One of the things I am most grateful for is my driver’s licence. Prior to having one, I was always afraid of taking the driving test because I believed that I would fail, and there is nothing I hate more than failure. So I delayed it for many years until a few years ago I finally had enough of being afraid.
And not only did I pass my theory test with full marks, I also achieved perfection in my practical exam (my driving inspector was so bored he took to admiring the scenery like a little boy would on a day out with his mom!)
I love what I gained when I passed. Independence, security, always having something there to protect me from the rain (and believe me, it rains a lot here). And I love the journey when I’m the driver. The destination isn’t important to me as much as enjoying the ride.
It’s funny, since I started driving so many women from different backgrounds and religions who drive up next to me waiting for the traffic lights to change smile at me and nod their heads. “You go sister!” is what I imagine them thinking. I love the fact that driving defies a stereotype of Muslim women being helpless and dependent. So not only is it easier for me to go to work (without having to wait for a train or bus) or shop for groceries; at the same time I’m also sending a message (something I was quite unaware of at first, then it hit me when the smiles kept coming at me!) that I’m an independent Muslim woman.
Now if only I had a Porsche like in this picture, maybe I’d be even more grateful 
