🚌 For Bus Drivers Only-The Route You Keep Replaying –

The Route You Keep Replaying –

Bus driver stress replay is something we rarely talk about- but what’s more-it runs like a background app in your mind.

You get to the end of the line—you say to another bus driver-
“You won’t believe what just happened“.
The story is launched.
At the other end of the line- we see a new bus driver-
“And then guess what she said next…“
And in like manner-we tell it again.
Pull into the depot after your shift—
“Wait till you hear this one.“
Home?
“Just give me a second, this was nuts.“
Next morning, you show up early–
add a little more drama in the hope that we get a few groans or laughs—
but inside your body?

That story’s still playing… the bus driver stress replay in full force.

And not just playing—
it’s sticking.
Somewhere, that thing is lodging itself into your nervous system.
Minute by minute, cell by cell,
your body keeps reliving the moment
as if it’s still happening.

Over time?
Story after story, year after year,
you start to feel worn down—
tired, tense, reactive,
like someone unplugged your peace and you can’t find the cord.

Then one day it hits:

How could this happen to me?

But maybe the better question is:

How many times did I rehearse the pain?

Listen—this isn’t blame. It’s awareness.

You’re not weak.
It’s not about being dramatic.
You’re human. And you’ve had a lot come at you.

Inside, there is also have something no one can take:
The power to direct the replay.

Bus drivers have extra “space”- so much space in your head on any given day—
between stops,
on layovers,
while coasting through green lights—
and what you fill that space with?
It matters.

You can rehearse stress…
or you can rehearse something better–because bus driver stress replay isn’t just mental. It becomes physical over time.

What am I talking about here?

I’m not talking about “positive thinking.”
I’m talking about conscious choosing.

Instead of asking, Why’d they treat me like that?
Ask, How can I stay calm?

Instead of reliving their chaos—
replay your clarity.

That one quiet breath.
That one smooth lane change.
That moment you could have snapped—but didn’t.

That’s power.

I’ve been diving into this stuff lately—, mind works, brain science, the whole kit.
Too much to squeeze into one post.
But next up, I’m going to share something simple that’s changing my days big-time:

The difference between gratitude and appreciation—
and how one of them can flip your nervous system like a switch.

Not hype.
Real stuff.

Until then?

Check your replays.

Because your health—mental, emotional, and physical—
depends on what you keep telling yourself.

Even behind the shield.

Shift Happens. Keep driving.
—For Bus Drivers Only