The courage to let go

Getting out of my comfort zone

Isn’t it strange how we get so attached to inanimate objects?

There is a phenomenon in behavioral economics called the Endowment Effect, which means you get really attracted to things you own and cannot imagine not owning them.

This has been the case with cars I have owned over the years. Of course there is the association of incredible road trips done and high adventure had. It is also the reason why initially it was so difficult to give up my car and try opting to go car free.

(Image credit: Benjamin Le roux. Table Mountain)

But now, I’m living in a city where it’s not necessary to own or to have a car. (Although there are many car share options if you do need a vehicle.) Since I’m no longer cocooned comfortably in a protective bubble and am walking more, I’ve noticed subtle changes within me. Not only physically but mentally too.

I’ve become a lot less stressed. Way less.

I no longer have temper flare ups as I did while driving.

I swear less. And I have way less anxiety.

I’ve become less angry and I’m less tense. I’m not alone in this as according to a study published in the Journal of Physiology; scientists examined cyclists aged 55-79 years old and found them to have memory, reflexes, balance, metabolism and immune responses similar to those of people decades younger according to The New York Times.

And a UK study has found that those that commute by bicycle to work have a 45% lower risk of developing cancer (all forms) and a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

In the Netherlands, arguably the world’s cycling capital, depression in teenagers remains the lowest in the world.

Now that I’m walking more, I’ve become more observant. Walking has made me more present and being in the moment.

I have time to chat to neighbors and am very much aware of what’s happening in my suburb.

Interestingly, I have more time. I’m not spending time driving or fueling up or maintaining the vehicle or cleaning it.

The small pleasures I get while out walking or cycling are really the big pleasures.

Cost savings are significant too. In the US, the average annual costs of new vehicle ownership is $9282.00 or $773.50 a month according to the AAA.

In SA the average monthly running cost of a 1.4l VW Polo amount to R5500.00 - before finance.

The environmental impact cannot be underestimated. Although initially, it wasn’t the primary reason of giving up my car, it has become an important factor. Now, the only side effect of walking and cycling is a shot of endorphins rather than belching out carbon dioxide.  Another positive personal side-effect is that I’ve become more flexible and find stretching much easier now due to the exercise I’m getting. And in a small way I’m contributing to less traffic on the roads and reducing my carbon footprint.

The Endowment Effect is still at work though and I’ve become inseparable from my Gravel bike, which I also use as my daily commuter.

Gravel touring has become a thing though.

Check out www.capecycleroutes.co.za for some gravel inspiration and tips on planning your next escape. Or check out the Trans European Trails.

I’d love to know how you get about and if opting to go car free is a creative option for you. Get in touch in the comments or feel free to mail me directly.

 I Digress, is a reader supported publication.