Flying lessons

needed reminders that I am not alone

Photo by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash

The trip last week to visit my daughter adjusted my mindset in a much-needed positive way. These days, Amy and I are limited in terms of how much time we get to spend together, so I made being in the moment and enjoying simple pleasures with my girl the priority, which in and of itself renewed my spirit. But it seems my angels were also working overtime for me.

Flying to the East Coast on Tuesday, the flight attendant greeted me with kindness upon boarding. My throat closed, a clear sign that I was at a level 10. 

Oh boy, honey, you are in a state.

Yes, I certainly was a bit frayed. I fought back tears several times that day. It seemed that any positive connection was worth a few tears of relief that my people were still out there and that connection and kindness were still alive and well. 

On my first flight, I settled into my favorite, the window seat, closed my eyes, and was half asleep long before taking off. A young man, probably early 40’s, squeezed into the middle seat shortly before boarding ended. I snoozed until Inflight made their rounds to offer refreshments. Half awake, I decided I wanted water, so I opened my eyes to alert Inflight before she moved to the next row. The delightful young man seated next to me, Joe, passed the water along to me, informing me that he had also asked for cookies from Inflight for me because I was asleep and he didn’t want me to miss out on those Biscoff delicacies. This unexpected act of kindness from a stranger left me once again choking back tears. 

We spent the entirety of the flight chatting about life. His beautiful hazel eyes sparkled whenever he spoke of his wife and four children. As I followed him and his work companion off the jet bridge as we exited, I was sorry to see him go as I felt a sense of connection, a reminder that we are all part of a larger, shared story. 

I’d have to consider that perhaps my angels placed this kind soul next to me to remind me that goodness is always present, we just need to remain open.

On the first of two flights on my way home, I once again nestled into my window seat, closed my eyes, and began to drift. The flight wasn’t full, so the middle seat remained empty. I woke up upon take-off and once we were in the air, I decided to open my computer. The woman in the aisle seat had other ideas. She greeted me, initiating a conversation. We talked for the next four hours. It turns out she’s a writer, and I had fun sharing info about Substack with her. A Dallas resident and a Democrat who voted for Kamala, we even touched on politics. Upon deplaning this time, the only difference is that I didn’t feel sorry to see her go because we had exchanged contact info.

Hmmm, my angels seem to be working overtime. 

I returned home with a few answers and a restored faith in our story.

• Even though I’m very good at worrying, worrying is not the answer. 

• Taking action to change what I can, understanding my sphere of influence, and even pushing to expand that, is an answer.

• Enjoying the blessing of each day is an answer.

• Seeking solace in nature is an answer.

• Trusting in goodness to prevail is an answer.

• Keeping my heart open to connect with my kindred spirits who surround me wherever I am is an answer.

• Understanding that my fear means we haven’t finished the story yet is an answer.

• And time spent with loved ones will always be the answer.

I’d love to hear some of your answers in the comments.

Also, I will be taking next week off to celebrate Thanksgiving and will return to your inbox on Monday, December 2 with the Monday morning cup of thoughts. Part 5 of “The beginning” will arrive on the 6th.

I like this particular definition of Thanksgiving: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness. Not everyone enjoys the holidays, especially if they are experiencing hardship. The idea that next Thursday might just involve a private acknowledgment of the goodness in one’s life can be enough.