Choosing our attitude

Travelling home from Sydney recently I was reminded of how much power we have to choose the version of reality we experience. As you may have faced yourself or read in the news, Sydney airport has had quite a few challenges getting people through security screening quickly. Twice in the last month I’ve arrived to find the queue snaking around the departures hall, out the building and into another section of the building I’m assuming passengers don’t normally get to see.  

The first time I was somewhat expecting what I’d find thanks to the alerts sent by my team and confirmed by the media reports I’d read.  The second time I didn’t have a heads up and while it crossed my mind, I was ultimately taken by surprise when I discovered that yet again, I had a long wait ahead of me.    

To fully appreciate this story, you need to understand that I don’t have a great track record of responding well in airports. 

When I reflect back over the years, the honest truth is there have been many moments when my stress levels have peaked when confronted with setbacks at airports.  Typically, by the time I arrive I’ve had a long day or week, I’m keen to get home and the last thing I want is to be faced with delays.  

I’m very proud to report that neither of these recent events had any negative impact on how I was feeling.  I did a fabulous job of practicing what I preach and chose to accept my reality and focus on what I could control.  All around me were frustrated passengers, some venting to one another and others on phone calls sharing their stories of hardship with I assume their colleagues or loved ones.  

Given how slow the process was I had plenty of time to reflect on the differences in how we were each experiencing the situation.  I reflected also on all of the times I have complained loudly, railed against reality and lost my cool in very similar circumstances.  While I was tired and keen to get home as always, my decision to be in the moment and simply go with the flow, meant the circumstances I found myself in really weren’t that difficult to endure.  

The guy behind me had a much more stressful time of it.  When I heard him ring home and say “I’m in the world’s longest security queue ever thanks to these ridiculously incompetent people” I knew it was going to be a rough ride for him.   

While it is undeniably easier said than done, the simple truth is we all have the power to choose the thoughts we entertain and the emotions that flow from the mindsets we invest in. 

On these occasions I chose to enjoy the slow stroll and trusted that the airport staff working diligently to move those people boarding soon to the front of the queue would get me to my gate on time. 

And they did.