How to Handle Flight Delays

You might have seen that Newark (EWR) has been in the news.
It’s been my airport for the last twenty-seven years. 

Convenient, yes, but never quite as pleasant as flying into a European or Asian airport. In contrast to EWR, they’re clean and give you hope in what’s possible. 

This weekend, for the first time, I changed my plans. 

I left from LaGuardia instead. I no longer trust Newark.

Their problems didn’t happen overnight; I suspect they are not alone.
 
Over the years, Newark added new shops and restaurants and filled Terminal C with more tablet kiosks than anyone needs.

But underneath it all and away from the public’s view, the foundation was slowly giving out. They traded solid for shiny and prevention for band-aids. 

And now, it’s caught up with them.
Sadly, we do this too.

We rush to upgrade our phones and chase after the next big thing, believing that faster, newer, and shinier will make life better. 

But the real upgrades, the ones that last, are not on the outside. No, the key to an incredible “journey” starts from within. 

It’s about the story we tell ourselves about ourselves. 
It’s in our relationships.
It’s in our mental, physical, social, and digital health.
It’s in our Ikigai.
It’s in our ripple effect. 

Yes, our political leaders (across all parties) and industry leaders (across planes, trains, and automobiles) have failed us. Going back decades, they have earned our criticism. 

But as we try to hold them accountable, we can shift our awareness to where we have the most control. We can look within. 

Instead of wondering when the next iPhone is coming out, chasing the next nutritional hack, or botoxing away the wrinkles, we can strengthen the foundations that connect us to ourselves, each other, and what matters most.

It’s easy to patch a hole and throw a fresh coat of paint on the wall. 
It’s tempting to look for the quick fix or the next upgrade.
We seem to think they’re the only solutions we have time for. 

But without a solid runway, your flight will be delayed, and you’ll miss your connection, no matter how fancy your plane or wherever you wish to go. 

Until next week, remember to put your own oxygen mask on first before you have fun storming the castle! 

Michael 

And if you are anxious about flying right now, I see you. I’m with you. There are meditations on the Pause Breathe Reflect app that can help calm your nerves as you fly, and always make sure you tell the pilot that there’s precious cargo on board. 

In the next few days, I will have an awesome sauce announcement that will help you reduce your unproductive screen time and build more connection. Stay tuned for more details. 

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