Don't Assume Your Headlights Are On

Are Your Headlights Automatic?

I’ve been noticing more and more cars at night without their headlights on. It can seem odd in a day when headlights are automatic.

I don’t have an answer, but check your car. Are yours set to “automatic”?

When driving down a brightly lit street, where we can see just fine, it can be hard to know that your headlights aren’t on. But can others see you?

Some headlights come on automatically when the windshield wipers are on. Most go on automatically at dusk. But does your car have a setting? Do you know what those settings are?

My headlights don’t automatically go on when it rains. So I have to turn mine on manually. At least I thought I was turning them on. The little symbol looks like a headlight. But there are two little “headlight” symbols. And both make the green headlight on my dashboard light up, having me assume my headlights are on. One position, however, means the headlights are on. The other means the running board lights are on. And I can never remember which is which.

Are You Shining Your Own Light?

Are you living in someone else’s light or can others see you?

How often do we walk through the day not realizing our own light isn’t shining? How often do our lights stay off through those ‘rainy’ days? How often do we take advantage of the lights around us to make our way, not realizing our own aren’t shining?

How often do we allow our lights to stay in the “off” position without even realizing it? Probably more often than we realize.

Turn On Your Headlights

As far as your car goes, make sure your headlights are set to “automatic.” Check to be sure they come on when it rains. If they don’t, be sure you know the correct setting to turn them on.

As far as your personal light, be intentional with that as well. It takes a little more conscious effort sometimes, but practice turning them on.

How?

A smile can light up the space around you. Even if you’re the only one in the room. Smile at your reflection (in the bathroom mirror, the microwave door, or the rear view mirror). You are deserving of that smile you can offer yourself.

Kindness. It doesn’t have to be grand. Simply open the door for someone. Reach out a hand. Make that phone call to check-in and just say, “I’m thinking of you.”

Put your phone out of sight. Engage in conversation with eye contact. Give the person in front of you your undivided attention. With your phone in your pocket while in line at the store, you are open to connections with others. A simple smile, nod, or eye contact can make someone else feel acknowledged. And it shines your personal light.

Gratitude. Make gratitude a practice. Whether its when you wake up in the morning, before you drift off to sleep, any time you walk into a room, or . . . any time. Make it a daily practice to list at least three things you are grateful for. “I’m grateful for this warm bed.” “I grateful for this person in my life.” “I’m grateful for the song that just came on the radio.”

Let Headlights Be Your Reminder

When you see those headlights at night, and especially when you see a car that needs to turn theirs on, let it be a reminder to check your personal light settings. Smile, even if you’re alone. Think of something you are grateful for at that moment. Revisit memories of your day and highlight something that brought you joy. Make that your focus.

By doing any of these things, your light will just naturally glow.