Originally Posted by
Leebo
Close passes by cars. I can't seem to just let it go.
Yeah, that's a tough one.
Long ago my wife (she's a therapist) taught me a thought stopping technique. It really works for things like this (fleeting issues). Thought stopping is not well thought of for Behavioral Therapy any more because it does not work long term for issues that don't go away (like cancer). It's hard to forget that you or a loved one is sick. But for getting passed closely on my bike I find the technique works.
Find some poem or speech that you really like. Not General Patton's speeches, but something more neutral. Like the Gettysburg Address. Memorize it best you can. Then every time someone buzzes you, allow yourself maybe 30 seconds to blow up, then start saying your "prayer". Assuming you have to think about it - especially since no one really talks like Abe Lincoln anymore - there is no way you can pull the Gettysburg Address from long term memory AND continue blowing up at the @$$h@t who buzzed you. By the time you get to
"and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" enough time has passed where it will seem silly to get all foamed-up again.
I actually use the Oakland Raiders' poem (I'm an old Raiders fan and the poem brings back childhood memories). There are several words in there I never use myself, so I really have to think about it. Viola! The offending thought vanishes like smoke on a windy day! (I might have to run through it two or three times if I am really pissed).
Autumn Wind
By Steve Sabol
The autumn wind is a pirate
Blustering in from sea
With a rollicking song
He sweeps along
Swaggering boisterously
His face is weather-beaten
He wears a hooded sash
With a silver hat about his head
And a bristling black moustache
He growl as he storms the country
A villain big and bold
And the trees all shake
And quiver and quake
As he robs them of their gold
The autumn wind is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He’ll knock you ‘round
And upside down
And laugh when he’s conquered and won.