Life is going to present curves, unexpected challenges, disappointments, and discouragement. Alternatively, it will offer light, levity, hope, and encouragement. There will be seasons when all is well while others simply confuse or confound. I was reminded by this while experiencing an extended delay at the airport. My tenure as a Hospitality Consultant has provided an awesome opportunity to see different parts of the country over the last 18 months. These experiences have allowed me access to areas providing a unique perspective along with cultivating relationships with some extremely special people. Prior to transitioning into this role, my home for the previous 11 years, was in Greensboro, NC. While there, I developed some great relationships and created life long memories. My work allowed me to become involved in the community and created the foundation of
My tenure as a Hospitality Consultant has provided an awesome opportunity to see different parts of the country over the last 18 months. These experiences have allowed me access to areas providing a unique perspective along with cultivating relationships with some extremely special people. Prior to transitioning into this role, my home for the previous 11 years, was in Greensboro, NC. While there, I developed some great relationships and created life long memories. My work allowed me to become involved in the community and created the foundation of home, stability, and a strong network. Whenever the schedule affords, I enjoy the opportunity to return. Who knows, I may return permanently at some point. During my travels across the country, a minor downfall has been the numerous events that I have had to miss. Certainly, we have the opportunities via social media to see the captured moments. However, it is not the same as being there. So, here I am, waiting.
During my travels across the country, a minor downfall has been the numerous events that I have had to miss. Certainly, we have the opportunities via social media to see the captured moments. However, it is not the same as being there. So, here I am, waiting for a flight to return to Greensboro. The schedule had provided a brief opening that would allow me to go to a particular event for the first time in a couple of years. Everything lined up and I was set to go The morning of my departure brought about the usual rush to get ready. On the way to the lobby to depart on the hotel shuttle, my phone rings. I look down to see the airline is on the other end. Curious, I answer only to discover my original flight has been delayed. I inquire about alternative flights without success. The only potential alternative is standby on a flight that was also delayed from earlier in the morning.
Determined, we make our way for the short trip to the airport. Upon my arrival, there is no surprise at the number of people facing the same challenge. I patiently wait to see if there might be a chance to ride stand- by only to find out the flight has now been canceled. To place the proverbial cherry on top, my scheduled flight has been further delayed by an extra 2 hours. Well, attendance to the event has now become impossible. I begin a brief internal discussion with myself about how it never seems to work out to make it back home. (Fortunately, I did not respond back). This went on for a couple of minutes in a one-sided internal complaint. Fortunately, in a moment of utter clarity, I realized that nothing really insane or life changing happened. Sure, I was disappointed but what was really lost? I began to realize there was an opportunity from a different lens to consider how important this situation was in the total scheme of things. In a matter of moments, I realized that the perception of the situation seemed more negative than the actual reality of it. After further thought and more honest, I had to ask myself…
Did I lose a family member? Well, No.
Was my health affected? Hmm, No
Did it cost me the loss of a job? Uh, No
Did it really matter in the Big Picture? Absolutely not
So, were there some benefits? I told myself, to be honest, and discover some positives in this disappointment. I considered that …
I had a chance to find a new book to read.
Someone else had the opportunity to go in my place. It will be as much if not more of a blessing that they are in attendance.
While waiting in the terminal, I learned that the client requested an extension at my current project.
I tried a new selection at Starbucks.
I had a chance to write this piece.
The point of this was pretty simple. Today is but a small example of what happens in our lives. There are new opportunities left to explore. We will go thru unexpected obstacles and hardships. (Full transparency; I do not consider a delayed flight to count much as a hardship). We go thru disappointments, yet more importantly, we have the chance to experience the seasons and the gift of life itself.
My experience with a delayed flight is not newsworthy. All of us have gone thru it. The time at the airport forced me to think about what is most important in my own life. What should really matter? A missed event does not mean much even if it is disappointing. However, the real lesson is how we respond while reminding ourselves what is really worth our time and emotion. Life is going to happen in all of its joy, beauty, disappointment, and setbacks. I chose to take stock of what I could control (which was me and my emotional response). I could not control the circumstances that caused a flight to be delayed. So, the choice really comes down to each of us as to how we decide to perceive and receive that which takes place in our lives.
So, Alright Alright Alright! Chase after what is most important by not remaining stuck in the smallest of circumstances that do not carry much weight. Accept that things are going to happen which Inspire and Irritate. It is simply the price of admission in this twisting and turning journey. Sometimes it does take a reminder to what is important compared to what is better by letting go. In that vein, I appreciated the reminder during my extended visit at the airport. And, hey, the drink at Starbucks was not half bad either.
Lighten up Listen up and Liven up to what truly matters.
Attitude changes everything.You have demonstrated what I believe to be true. First, be thankful, and even though circumstances may not change your perspectives do.
I think you make a good point, Chris. Things will happen to cause us inconvenience, disappointment, and even changes in our plans. But those things must be kept in perspective. When we look at them through a good filter of reason and logic, most are minor events. Not life threatening or even life altering.
I’ve been snowed in in at least 6 states, spent a lot of time in airports due to delayed or cancelled flights, been through several near collisions on planes and one crash landing, not to mention several car wrecks. In most cases there was a lesson to be learned, or a side benefit. In the case of the plane crash, I met a pilot that became a life long friend.
As they say, “every cloud has a silver lining”. We have to be flexible enough, strong enough, and resilient enough to find a appreciate that silver lining.
Wonderful share, Ken.