Put me in a Metal Tube

“The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors

who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times,

looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space,

at full speed, above all obstacles,

on the infinite highway of the air.”

—?Wilbur Wright

Boy, do I love a cross-country plane flight.

I will confess that I really resisted the opportunity. I find it hard to pry myself out of my daily routines and the comfort of home having spent so much time there these past four years. I even let the onset of a fall cold question my commitment to fly from Cleveland to the west coast for a long-delayed and special event.

But I did some things right.

I booked a direct flight. Despite the early departure making for an early start to the day, I breezed through the long lines with my prearranged special subscription (CLEAR) and secured coffee before boarding.

I paid extra for an exit aisle and was rewarded with two empty seats beside me. I was happy and so was everyone around me as I coughed all the way to San Francisco.

I put in the earplugs, loaded a movie (Inside Out), designed my area like an office, used the other seat tray tables, secured more coffee and snacks, and started to make lists. You could hear me purring several aisles away.

I worked without interruption for five hours straight. I prepped for my event. I straightened out all of my lists, looked forward and back at the calendar, planned, used the plane internet for the first time, and ….. I started addressing my holiday cards. The stewardess practically gave me a ‘gold star’ for being so productive.

I found the stress falling from my shoulders, my head clearing, and my attitude lifting. I am so grateful.

I did not notice the headwinds or the minor delay. I was in the zone.

Putting myself in a metal tube with a plane load of strangers to wing across America with everything I could need within reach is obviously a good situation for me.

It was the first time since the onset of the Pandemic, that every seat wasn’t filled, and flying was less than comfortable.

I even made a few friends along the way.

It was like being ‘rebooted.’

I arrived in California ready and energetic — despite the little sleep I secured the night before.

Let the next phase of the adventure begin!

For me, this phase includes being in community with fellow authors and individuals in the publishing world. It has been ten years since I was with this tribe. I am taking some of my own advice and reconnecting with the people and worlds that have grown me.

At the end of this long weekend, I will fly home via the redeye flight. This may be another very different experience from the ease of the outbound trip. I have already been given advice to treat my cold before boarding, a ‘hot toddy.’ I am up to learn and apply the wisdom of others.

It has been great to get out of my bubble.

? What might you do to shift your perspective and reboot?

Leslie

“Flying teaches you to seize the moment,

to appreciate the beauty of the world

from a different perspective.”

— Unknown