Work Travel

I’m writing this on my second plane of the day headed to Rochester, New York for a work trip.

A 6am flight out of Cincy this morning required a 3:30am wake up but it actually didn’t bother me. I like traveling for work.

I used to get stressed to fly, worrying about missing my plane or forgetting about a lighter in my backpack. I’ve gotten better at leaving some of that stress behind. I still like to get to the airport early (>1hr before boarding begins) but that’s part of the new peace I travel with. Plan ahead, get there early, and let things fall into place. I don’t worry about security or scrutinize the logistical details too heavily anymore. I’ve done this enough to trust myself that I’ll get where I need to be.

Airports are interesting places. All kinds of people, all going different places for different reasons. I find a sense of comfort in the chaos. It’s easy to blend in and observe.

The people at the bar at 5am, the airport employees who drive to the airport for every shift, the businessman in a shiny suit, the family going on vacation with kids bouncing in every direction. Everyone moving in their own direction and in their own world.

Most people seem to be in a hurry or stressed out, even especially the TSA agents in security.

This is where I try to go against the grain.

Extreme ease… Patience, politeness, and kindness for all those I interact with. Smiling at the TSA agents, thanking the barista at the coffee bar, laughing with the person seated next to me about the “window seat” in our row completely lacking an actual window.

It’s a framework that’s currently crystallizing in my mind. When things around me are hectic and messy, bring the peace. Bring the ease and stability.

The upcoming Christmas season will be a good test for me to use this framework. People rushing around from event to event, traveling to see family, shopping for gifts, et. Everyone in a HURRY.

Let’s challenge ourselves to slow down when life is saying, “C’mon, hurry up!” Let’s be at EASE. Don’t conform to the hustle and bustle thats expected of you during the holidays. The whole goal is that this energy spreads to those around us, our friends and family, who see this defiance as steady, calming and peaceful.

Let’s ask ourselves if we’re bringing peaceful energy or stressful energy this Christmas.

Breathe.

“Be the peace. Be at ease.” - What I’ll be telling myself these next few weeks.

All the best,

Zach