Never a dull moment
Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 6:07PM If you decide, in your mind, that your life will never be dull, you may be surprised at the kinds of risks you will be willing to take. Would you like to evolve so that you no longer feel hindered by self-doubt? Wonder how to muster the courage to do something you've never done before? Stop the waiting game.
A fantastic place to start is to ask yourself who told you something was wrong with you? Who persuaded you that you couldn't do things? Who told you your hopes aren't possible? Even if people exert effort to dissuade you, ultimately, you choose to believe you can do things or not. Yes, that's right! Its you. Learn to jump mental hurdles. You can do what you set your mind to do. The potential is always inside you.
One example in my life was an impulsive move to join a former boyfriend on a trip with his parents. At the time, I was studying in the south of France and had little money. Let’s say, I learned to do more with less. Low and behold, my attention was drawn to a ‘last minute flight deal.’ A close friend thought I was nuts! So much for my hard-earned pennies. I bought a non-refundable ticket and set out for a memorable adventure. I flew to north to Paris (France)-over to London (UK), across the Atlantic to Miami (USA) and caught a connector to the Caribbean.
As it happened, I missed a flight and was re-routed. Little did I know the computer system assumed that since I didn't board one of my scheduled planes, it automatically cancelled my whole return itinerary. Imagine my dismay when I was supposed to be on the same plane as my 'then boyfriend' and his parents back to Florida. Yet, I was told I couldn’t board. We didn’t have the chance to say good bye. My reaction? I got creative. Although all the other flights out that day from the island to Miami were supposedly over-sold, I talked my way onto the next connection. I sat with a stewardess in the rear. Did I relay a story of anticipation! She urged me on.
Once in Miami, I disembarked and ran between terminals. I passed a security check not meant for me in light of my tickets, and scurried past 5 gates to arrive at the gate of interest. This memory reminds me of a frantic scene in the film Broadcast News. I didn't slide under tables or filing cabinets, but I knew haste. You may too?
Much to my chagrin, my boyfriend's plane had already boarded and was preparing to depart. In sheer desperation, I calmly shared my story to the two attendants at the gate. Luckily, the guy and girl were 'sentimental types.' They opted to make an on-board PA announcement for my boyfriend to come off the plane. I have no clue what he or his parents thought when they heard it, except perhaps, “what the???” I sensed their conservative bewilderment grew into pure curiosity and then, absolute awe.
One of those sentimental attendants accompanied me down the tunnel to the plane door. When my boyfriend appeared and saw me, he looked at me in disbelief then, smiled. I hunched my shoulders and said, “I simply wanted to give you a proper goodbye.” What a memorable kiss and embrace! I had imagined the end of a romantic film script. I just decided to make it real.
As the attendant escorted me out of the tunnel, I was grateful for the emotional roller coaster. I think he felt he had done a good deed. It was before 9/11 when security measures were different. The plane shut its door and headed for the runway. I headed for the terminal I was supposed to be in and had a great chat with a former hockey-player turned airline employee. He kindly reworked my flight itineray so that I could get back to school.
After four flights, a long stopover and late connection, I ended up missing my train. Funny, I met up with a friendly foreign student in the same predicament. I intuited it would be safe to hitchhike with him, albeit after midnight. That memorable experience and ride lasted a few hours, but I'll have to leave that for another entry.
Admittedly, it takes courage to live life to the fullest. Adrenalin helps. I sense that certain kinds of risks will be worth it. I believe and then, they are. Young love may compel wild decision-making, even if a relationship isn't meant to last. No matter what the outcome, we can always choose to learn from risk-taking, Is yours worth it?
Reader Comments (4)
That movie reference you mentioned with Julie Delpy caused me to chuckle. It was actually the reason why the man I described in post "the biggest risk ever" decided to offer to meet me in Paris for a coffee. We both saw the film separately and felt a very strong connection to the characters and their 'deja vu.' As for us, we met on a bus rather than on a train. Unlike the film, the guy I know didn't wish to pass up the chance to pursue his romantic interest. He and his efforts weren't disappointed!