How my Mini Cooper Saved me From Pandemic Depression
The movie, The Italian Job introduced me and others in the US to the Mini Cooper. A classy and fun little car with personality.
I have had my Mini Cooper Countryman S since 2015; it is my dream car. A few years ago, I was taking my car in for service, and there was a large group of people there driving their Mini’s together across the US, and the dealership was a stopping point.
It was so exciting to see this! Talking with some of the people, they were so happy, I wanted to do this! Soon I joined a local MiniCooper group I found on Facebook.
I have since learned that there are several Mini Cooper Facebook groups; local, regional, national, and international. There are groups for Minis & Dogs, Minis & Coffee, and Minis & Murals. Some of the groups are just for Facebook connecting, while others often gather for makeshift holiday parades, drive-by birthday parties, or themed drives, such as Fall Colors, Haunted Houses, or specific destinations for hamburgers or ice cream. Some have 100+ members, and others have thousands of members. Most are free, but some charge an annual fee.
Mini Culture
There is a whole Mini culture around this car. Yes, there are other car clubs out there, but Mini Coopers excite so much happiness and love. You can see everyone’s Mini’s as taking pictures is a thing, of course, that everyone does to show off their Mini or groups of Mini’s when out motoring, posting their favorite pictures to Facebook. It is overwhelming all the shapes, colors, sizes, and models of Mini Coopers. And the customizations that people make to their Mini’s are truly astounding. The Classic Mini Coopers are especially fun.
Mini enthusiasts decorate their mini’s for events, such as holidays or parades. There are stickers, badges, clothing, and custom club cards to ‘tag’ other Mini’s we may see when shopping. There is a list of fun Mini rules often posted on Facebook groups; the #1 rule is when parking, always park next to another Mini if possible. Back in when parking, if possible, and be sure to wave at other Mini drivers you see!
My First Motoring Drive
My first drive was exhilarating! To be with other Mini’s, driving together, it is like a large child’s toy with all the different parts moving in sync like connected train cars. I wanted more of this! Walkie talkie radios on a specific channel are used to communicate with each other where we are stopping next if a Mini is down (car trouble or stuck at a light, etc.) and to make Mini humor. You must be there to understand.
Pandemic Time
Once the pandemic hit, I noticed a few other local Mini groups popped up on my Facebook feed, so I joined several. They each have their own motoring events. Some impromptu, and others planned out for weeks or months ahead.
Normally finding time to go on a day or weekend drive sounded like a luxury that I would not have time for, but once the pandemic hit, my schedule was wide open, and being socially distant was easy since we were all inside our own cars. Drives around my state and the Pacific Northwest got me out of the house and allowed me to see places I had not yet visited, and connected me with other Mini enthusiasts in the same situation. When people see 20+ Mini Coopers drive by, they cannot help but smile and wave, making everyone happy. And some of the motoring views and experiences were nothing short of etheric for me. Synchronized birds flying overhead, combined with witnessing wide ocean views while taking a nice corner with my Mini, is incredible. In my trips so far, I have seen elk, coyote, and even a guy playing his drum set on the top of a mountain! Connecting with nature all around me while being part of a team of friends puts a smile on my face.
Mini People
The organizers of these Mini groups are remarkable. They welcome new members, coordinate contests, give away swag, have movie viewings in the Facebook groups, and truly care about all the people in their group. The love shared is truly wonderful. They make everyone feel welcome, ensure everyone gets home safely, and help one another if a Mini is down for any reason. They never leave a Mini behind.
And as if that isn’t enough, the Mini groups do much giving back with fundraisers for school supplies, toy drives, and helping out other Mini Owners that may be going through 2020 challenges. Mini groups are also a great resource for car parts, service discounts, and any work you may want or need to be done on your Mini.
One of the best parts is being out of the house in a safe environment, connecting with others, having fun, and forgetting about all the issues going on in the world. No talks of politics, the pandemic, murder hornets, or other 2020 issues. It is an escape! For me, it has been truly a lifesaver and pulled me out of what I am sure would have otherwise been a depressive year.
So, if you see several Mini Coopers drive by, be sure to wave and smile. And maybe look at getting a Mini Cooper and join us!
About the Author
Kasara is educated as a Mental Health Therapist, Master Herbalist, Traditional Naturopath and Energy Worker with over 35 years of helping thousands of clients find alternative health options that work. She writes articles on Medium, and on her website http://truhealth.com. You may subscribe to her Medium account or her newsletter to stay connected.