Lessons from a Delayed Flight

On the way back from Central America yesterday my flight had a layover in Houston. One hour gave way to two, then three, and by the time we took off the flight had been delayed nearly six hours.

But a remarkable thing took shape as I looked around the terminal. I didn't see a single person complain. Yes, people were understandably frustrated, tired, and wanted to know what was going on but everyone maintained a sense of poise. And at the root of their poise was an understanding there was simply nothing they could do about the situation.

Instead, I saw passengers use the time productively by catching up on work, reading, writing, and enjoying the company of family and friends. There were a handful of strangers who even bonded over the minor setback. 

Sitting at gate C43 turned out to be an unexpected master class.

Kindness Matters

Years ago, I walked into a card store a few block from my apartment in Manhattan. The woman working behind the desk was personable and we struck up a conversation as I paid for a birthday card I was picking up for a friend. "You're so polite," she said. "I need you to hang around my kids." 

Not long before a store clerk up the street said more or less the same thing offering me a complimentary kit bag before I made my way out the store. "Why?" I asked. "Because you said please and thank you."

The fact that both incidents happened in New York City may imply more about the makeup of this fast-paced community, but I think the broader point is being kind really matters.

During my last few weeks in Central America I've seen people go above and beyond for me simply because I've taken the time to really listen and take an active interest in their lives. I've asked questions, tried to speak less, and praised them for their hospitality. I made new friends, learned a great deal about a culture I knew little to nothing about, and in the process deepened my understanding of what it means to be human.

So be kind whenever possible. Not because of what you’ll gain but because of who you’ll become. 

Lessons from Nicaragua

I arrived in Granada, Nicaragua a couple of days ago. And though I've been very fortunate in my life when it comes to travel, this is my first time setting foot in Central America. I'm glad I made the journey.

My first day in any new city usually consists of walking -- lots of walking. I like to get my bearings, explore the city, and see what makes a community tick. Yesterday, I walked around for about 5 hours before returning to the house I'm staying at for a brief rest.

The people here are warm and hospitable. They take care of one another and seem to move at their own pace. What I admire most is there isn't this frenzy or constant sense of busyness in their movements. Urgency doesn't seem to valued here as much as a focus on what is truly important. 

Since I've been here, I've taken personal inventory of my own habits back in the states and realize there is a ton of movement without always questioning it's utility. I think we can all slow down a hair without sacrificing our productivity. And when we do slow down we're able to be more present, collect our thoughts, and gain clarity on the bigger picture.

In time, our ambitions become less about gaining more and more about becoming more. We can try to BE and not just DO.