The Check Engine Light
Who likes when the check engine light pops up on your vehicle?
I know I don’t.
Your day is going well, and then bam—there it is, that tiny glowing symbol on your dashboard screaming,
“Hey, something’s not right.”
It’s called the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), a gentle yet persistent reminder that your vehicle’s onboard computer has detected a potential problem with your engine, transmission, or emissions system.
It doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, but it warns you that something is off and needs attention.
And suddenly, your thoughts start racing:
“Is this something small?”
“Is it going to cost me thousands?”
“Can I make it home?”
“Should I ignore it for now?”
A steady light might mean a minor issue; a flashing light could mean a critical problem requiring immediate care.
We get worried because we know ignoring it can lead to breakdowns, higher costs, decreased fuel efficiency, and, eventually, a vehicle that leaves us stranded.
Then it hit me:
I am the vehicle.
You are the vehicle.
If we don’t check our own engine light, the engine that would can become the engine that could have. The engine that didn’t becomes the engine that couldn’t.
And sometimes, our personal MIL is flashing, but we ignore it.
Feeling burnt out but pushing through because “I don’t have time to rest.”
Doing too much at once, living in a swirl of deadlines and “shoulds.”
Caring for everyone else but yourself, refilling their cups while letting yours run dry.
Working non-stop, leaving no time to play or breathe.
Thinking independence means you don’t need anyone, yet aching for a fulfilling partnership but feeling “too busy” to cultivate love.
Or maybe you’re in a relationship but not giving it your time, energy, and presence, because your mind is stuck in overdrive, never finding the off switch.
You deserve more than survival mode. You deserve more than living with your “check engine” light on, hoping it will magically disappear.
Because here’s the truth:
If you don’t check your engine light, you will eventually cause a serious personal MIL.
Mental. Internal. Life-altering.
Ignoring your needs isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a slow erosion of your well-being.
So, check your engine light:
✨ Take that mental health day.
✨ Pause and breathe.
✨ Check in with yourself, honestly.
✨ Get therapy or coaching if you need support.
✨ Say “no” sometimes so you can say “yes” to what truly matters.
✨ Allow yourself to rest, to laugh, to play.
✨ Allow yourself to be loved and to love back.
✨ Refuel your soul.
Your vehicle—your body, your mind, your spirit—deserves the tune-up. It deserves the oil change. It deserves the tender care that prevents breakdowns and burnout.
Because you are not replaceable.
Your engine light is a gift, not a curse.
Don’t ignore it.
“Take care of your body; it’s the only place you have to live.”