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Life Lessons from a Delayed Flight
Just the other day, I was flying out from Abuja after a business trip. I planned well and arrived at the airport in good time to catch my flight. I checked in and waited for the boarding announcement. Unfortunately, I heard an announcement that many of us know all too well — my flight had been delayed “for operational reasons.”
As I sat in the airport, I reflected on the many times that my travel plans have been delayed or changed. I realized that I have learned some life lessons from these instances, which I’d like to share with you.
Take advantage of the situation
A natural first reaction to a flight delay is disappointment. This is true for almost everyone! However, I have learned that flight delays can create great opportunities if I remind myself to make the most of them. I cannot count the number of documents I have written in airports because my flight was delayed and I had nothing to do but focus on my work. Other times, I have gotten stuck in airports where I had access to a comfortable lounge with unlimited food and drink — I can’t claim to have suffered during those delays! Once or twice I have even gotten the opportunity to visit a new city because my delay gave me enough time to leave the airport.
In travel and in life, sometimes a change in plans can give us a new opportunity. Be flexible…
