Turbulence Happens
As a frequent flier, you'd think I wouldn't care about turbulence. But I do sometimes. On planes and in life.
Some people fly an insane amount.
I fly more than your average human.
Anyone close to me will tell you that I care way too much about my Delta Medallion status.
It’s Diamond. Thanks for asking.
Last year I was on around 60 flights total.
I used to be a bit of a nervous flyer, but I’ve mellowed out a lot as I have flown more.
Until the turbulence exceeds what I deem to be normal.
This happened a few flights ago.
I was trying to work but had to close my computer.
After about 90 seconds of shaking, I noticed my hand had the armrest in a death grip.
White knuckles. Veins visible.
Evidently, I was holding the entire plane together with my super strength.
A minute or two later it was over.
I fell asleep and woke up safe and sound at my home airport.
Since then I’ve thought a lot about how I had been living my life that way for an embarrassing amount of years.
Surrounded by turbulence.
Significant, but not life-threatening.
Bumpy enough to never really ignore.
While I grabbed at anything nearby I could choke hold to help me feel safe.
Or…maybe to help me feel like I was somehow in control.
Choking out an armrest doesn’t do anyone any good on an airplane - not me or the pilot or the plane or the weather. Certainly not the poor armrest. It has a hard enough life already.
My white-knuckled grip during my life turbulence didn’t help anyone either.
Turbulence is scary.
Especially the metaphorical kind.
I can’t tell you not to be afraid in a scary situation.
I can’t tell you that I know for sure it won’t be a rough landing.
But I can tell you that holding on tighter will never change the outcome.
In fact, it does more harm than good to you physically and emotionally.
So, if you can, loosen your grip on the thing you can’t control. Even if it’s a scary thing.
My hunch is you’ll end up at home safely before you know it.
** Changes are coming May 10th to the paid subscription offerings that include the option of 1:1 coaching with me to help you clarify your life calling. Current subscribers can save significantly by upgrading now before prices increase on May 10. See the details here.