I was flying home and we hit mild turbulence. Mild turbulence. It may not scare most people, but it terrified me because even the slightest thing that seems unusual on a plane makes me grab the arm rests as if they can protect me from disaster. So there I was death gripping the shoulder rest, breathing steadily and a little girl, I’m guessing around six, on the other side of the aisle looked out the window and exclaimed excitedly, “Look, we’re going through a cloud!” She was thrilled. And I thought, clearly this is all about perspective. I could be excited that we are going through a cloud right now or I could be scared. That thought process has helped keep me calm on a couple of plane rides now. Perspective seems to be the lesson of the year, at least for me.
The isn’t the first time a child has motivated me to make a change. Years ago I resisted getting an Iphone because it seemed too complicated. Then I saw a two-year-old using one with ease and I figured if she could I could. I was right, although I’m not sure my life is better for it.
Children can teach us so much, if we just listen and pay attention!!