Porsche Therapy

Always loved driving since the day i got my license 40+ years ago, but until i started driving my first Porsche (03 4s) 7 months ago i had never experienced �That Feeling� you get when a 996 is put through its paces. In my case with a 6 speed manual. We talk about smiles per mile, but its bigger than that for me. The past few weeks my ability to get behind the wheel has been severely restricted as i help my wife through a serious medical issue. Watching a loved one suffer, playing the required role of caregiver, picking up other responsibilities, all take its toll both physically and mentally. Yesterday, after a very long and stressful week, i got behind the wheel and took a short joy ride. WOW!! The mental serenity this car gives me when i push it is beyond words. I know therapy/comfort animals are all the rage these days, but for me its my Porsche. I can only hope others get the same enjoyment and mental serenity that i get out of a spirited drive. Cant imagine putting it away for the winter, i need the therapy!

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You are NOT the only one, Sir! Even just a drive to the grocery store makes my day better. Well wishes for the wife's recovery and for you.

I used to never look forward to Mondays, but nowadays (especially after a stressful weekend) I know first thing I get to get up extra early while it's still dark, open the garage door, and see my C4S just waiting for me. Pop in, fire it up to hear the glorious PSE, and head out to work. I typically leave my Tip in 'auto' mode but lately most mornings I'll put it in 'manual' just to keep it more interesting. I really have never been a manual guy simply because most of my working career I've been stuck driving in Houston traffic, but the more I drive a car like this, I see where you really get more enjoyment from rowing the gears. Now that my commute is about 7 miles and 12-14 minutes, definitely thinking of 6MT when I trade up in a year or two for a 997.2/991.1... Well wishes to your wife. Good on you for taking such good care of her.

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+1 All my best to you and your wife.

Well said - I get it 100% and totally agree! Good luck to you and your wife with your latest life challenge

I heartily agree Optionman! Porsche therapy helps me refocus mind and spirit. Health and peace to your wife and you.

^^^ THIS !! A real good friend of mine who last year had a double lung transplant, was contemplating on selling his 996 as he was waiting on the transplant list and getting prepared for the transplant.. We had been on numerous drives with his 02 tanks or Inogen in tow for the last several years as his lung disease worsened. But I advised him to hang on to the Porsche for therapy after the transplant, because I knew of the therapeutic effect it had on me 5 years ago after my Triple By-pass. He has thanked me several times for talking him out of selling the 996. And I still find that a good 20 min drive sometimes at night for no good reason does wonders !!

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That's what I do, my excuse is "I have to go to the store" but my wife always notices I never bring anything back except a smile. I daily drive just for that reason. Even heavy traffic doesn't bother me, 'cause that P-car is cool. My mom and aunt are at that age where they need considerable medical attention and they live 120 miles away. So every few weeks I go up to visit with them and sometimes take each for a drive, my mom thinks I've "made it". Considering my first car was a Ford Pinto, I'm doing pretty good

We go for an evening drive with the top down even when its 40 degrees out! Seat heater windows up wind screen, she cuddles up in a fleece! She throws her arms up as we hit the curves around the ramps, SO MUCH JOY! Best thing when I'm feeling down!

Great post, thanks for sharing! I often think I�m the only that lives driving as much as I do; I have four vehicles I have tagged and registered and all of them are sports coupes or motorcycles.. not a truck, suv or sedan in my stable. so yeah, it�s all about having a fun thing to drive. Glad I�m not alone, cheers! And sending good vibes to you and the wife!

It's called Vitamin P and we all crave it.

Great post - I feel the same way. Amazing how a 20 minute drive can be a great antidote for a bad day. These cars are amazing... @optionman1 - best wishes on your wife’s recovery! Daryll

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I like that one. Best wishes to your wife's recovery, and yes, vitamin P therapy is necessary, that's why my 996 is turning over 193k today

I feel ya, I'm in college at the moment and am away from my car, but for those 3 days that I was able to drive my car during vacation it was pure bliss.

20 Minutes isn't long enough to warm the motor up properly. (that's my story and I'm sticking to it.. ) So my runs to the store usually take about an hour and for some reason I have to get gas.. And the "Store" is 2 miles from my house..

I've always wanted a 911 since I was young. A lifetime friend of mine purchased a 997 three years ago due to a number of health issues that arose. He lost all of his fingers on his right hand, has a rare lung infection and needs to be on oxygen above 5000 feet elevation. We live at 4500 feet. This guy was a total animal, we biked together, rock climbed together, trained like madmen together. It's rough to see him in this shape. He purchased the car for this very reason. Porsche therapy. Driving my prior R32 VW, or my 1967 Datsun roadster with them just wasn't the same. This was part of the reason I made this purchase. We often do therapy drives, and this is the very think keeping him alive right now. When he's not able, I now need to take therapy drives. I've owned a number of cars in my lifetime. Owning a Porsche is by far the best driving experience I have had. I don't think I can ever go back now. Kyle

Porsche therapy is such an awesome personal time. Stress runs in my family -- we overthink every little issue/problem in life It just feels great to roll down the windows and go for a drive (casual and spirited) My second therapy is washing it OP, best wishes for your wife's recovery!!

Ok, reading this is forcing me to run the loop drive this morning. Glorious day, 70 and sunny! Top down! Best thoughts on your wife's recovery! Hopefully she can join in on the group therapy session.

I enjoy getting out in my car whenever I can. Its nice hitting the back roads around here and taking in the fall foliage. Look forward to when my kid will be in a booster seat so I can use the car more as a daily driver.

Surfing was my life and it was the one thing I could do that left all of life's worries behind...Do to failing body parts, I've not been able to surf for a couple of years. Driving my 996 is now the next best thing for me, I also enjoy fixing it when something breaks! The Forum comradery when not driving is also a pleasure. OP, best wishes for the wife! Aloha to you all!