How Do You Respond To Travel Delays?

I spent the last 2 days getting home for my coaching retreat.

2 days? You may be thinking…

Where were you?

I was in Palm Springs, California.

The trip home started out great. The Uber diver owned a Tesla! It wasn’t on my bucket list. I added it, so I could check it off.

I had a layover in Dallas.

There were thunderstorms in the area. We leave the gate. Take-off and landings are very slow because of the surrounding storms.

It’s ok. It’s my last leg. We can leave at anytime and I know I’ll get home.

We’re almost at the head of the line. The pilot says good news; we’ll be taking off in 15 minutes. We’ve been about 2 hours on the runway.

It starts to rain.

The storm moves in.

No more take offs until further notice.

You can only be on the runway for at most 3 hours.

We go back to the gate.

Flight was cancelled.

At this point, what would your reaction be?

What happened...

Much grumbling.

People on the phone with the airline to re-book. One of them me.

One guy says: “I’m never flying x again!”

Grumble. Grumble.

If you’ve travelled, you’ve probably seen this.

Contrast this to another trip I took for an event with my mentor Mary Morrissey.

I was on the fight out with some of the event staff.

Our flight was cancelled.

No grumbling. People call to rebook the airfare. One person calls to the hotel to let them know we are coming back. Everyone is a good mood. Having fun. Laughing. Joking.

I invite you to imagine always being in the second scenario.

Vibrant Living Tip

Next time you are in a travel delay or other frustration, see if you can find a way to see it differently and respond with joy and appreciation.

Notice how much different it feels. Which do you prefer?

Vibrant Living Take Away

There will be times when frustration occurs. When that happens, you have a choice. You can grumble or you can find joy. Experiment with joy.

 

Until next time...

Dream Bravely.

Act Boldly.

Live Vibrantly!

 

Lynn Tranchell