Before I locked my ass in this chair and started a serious career, I lived a pretty exciting, action packed life. I’m surprised I’m alive after some of the stuff I did as a kid, but here I am. And I live in a bubble. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m very happy , but sometimes it’s all a little surreal. My work-at-home career takes me to my basement and in my own head. I work with dozens of virtual colleagues and talk with hundreds of virtual people without using my voice all day. My family life is a magical world of love and happiness with a perfect daughter and Erin – she’s the ideal wife and mother of my child  – I love her passionately, and she’s my best friend. We went to prom together. Hell, I even adore my in-laws. I drive a minivan, have a couple of dogs -  I feel as close to the perfect specimen of raw Americana as I can be without Norman Rockwell being somehow involved.

I needed that ol’ adrenaline kick and some bad-assery back in my life.

So I traded in my old car for a 4 Wheeler- just for fun, and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

I’ve owned motorcycles and fast cars, but nothing comes close to driving a 4 Wheeler. Here’s why.

Driving a 4 Wheeler Is A Bona-fide Therapeutic Smorgasbord

• Learn To Take Risks
  The level of risk is only limited to how aggressive you drive, but even a relatively conservative driver like me gets a whole lotta “holy crap!” moments in the course of a 5 hour tour of South Sanford. You get to chose the level of risk and take what you’re ready for in your own time. A steep hill? Sure. A big jump? Hell no. Well.. not yet anyway.

• Clear Your Head
  Scanning directly ahead of you at all times is required, and that is the only thing you’re thinking about.  “Root. Rock. Boulder. Lean left. Learn right. Slow down. Feet up. Giant puddle. Ouch!” Not work, not home, not life’s grand scheme and your part in it. Just trying to stay upright and alive.
  
  
• Tackle Fear
  There’s always room to push it, especially at  a beginner level. When I feel the need to get exhilarated, I just push the gas a little harder or head up a steeper hill than ever before.
  
  
• Decision Making
  Driving around on a 4 Wheeler requires constant vigilance. You’re surrounded by trees trying to gouge your eyes out, roots trying to pop your tire, mud trying to suck you in or boulders trying to tip you over. There’s sand trying to spill you, other drivers trying (not) to hit you, and your courage egging you on. Every half second your making a decision about the best way to go, either for fun or for the rush.
  
  
• Physical Exercise
  This is one thing I was pleasantly surprised about. There is nothing easy about whipping a big 650cc bike around tiny turns with my.. ahem.. large frame in the saddle. By the time a 4-5 hour ride is complete, I feel ready for bed and Ben-Gay. But it’s the good burn you get from lifting weights or manual labor. It’s been too long since I’ve felt that burn.
  
  
• Raw, Man-Ego Boosting Authority Over Everything In Your Path
  If you want to go there, it will. Trees, curbs, mud, hills, sand, water – it doesn’t matter. But hang on tight.

It’s an interesting way to obtain inner peace and the other benefits, but it works. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, and it helps me be a better everything.

Show Me Some Love If I Deserve It!

Tags: 4 Wheeler, 4 wheeling, therapy