Coming. Going. Leaving. Returning. Ever since I started flying I remember falling in love with airports. The smooth chaos of people coming and going puts me at ease. Everyone in the airports are usually either reuniting with friends and family after time spent apart or they are setting out on a new, exciting adventure. Yes, there are always tears from people leaving behind their loved ones, but I know they'll always be together again and that distance will make it all the sweeter.
I realize that not everyone in an airport is setting off on some extravagant vacation, but sometimes I like to pretend they are. That man in a suit just going on another business trip might actually be flying to win back the love of his life at her wedding. Doubtful, but it's fun to pretend. You're surrounded by all these strangers yet they always feel so familiar because you all have one thing in common: you're going somewhere.
The diversity in airports is what always makes them so interesting. Everyone is going somewhere different, and everyone leads different lives. But for that one or two hours, you're all together. You're together in this place that almost feels like a Utopia. Everyone has their plans together, their budgets divided, and their tickets in hand. It's time for new journeys.
When you breathe in at an airport, you can almost smell the freedom. I remember the rush of independence I felt the first time I flew alone. I was on my own. I was in charge of my own life and I was venturing out into the unknown. Usually, the unknown frightens me, but whenever I'm in an airport I feel secure in the unknown because it's full of adventure. There's beauty in life's uncertainties and not knowing what the other side of the country holds is always thrilling.
And then there's liftoff -- the best part of every flight. I can't help but grin as I feel the rush of ecstasy. There is something so freeing about knowing there's nothing but you and the sky. As I write this, my plane is lifting off to New York. I'm taking off to a new life this summer and I can't help but embrace that dip in my stomach as I soar into the air. It's my favorite part of flying. And then I look out into the sunrise...right where the clouds meet the horizon and I can almost see the gods winking at me. I'm on my way.
Flying has the ability to simultaneously make you realize how small and insignificant you are while also feeling completely invincible. There is something about being above the clouds, above the weather, that makes you feel unconquerable.
To those on their way: embrace every second of your adventure and get ready to hit wherever you're going with full force. And to those who feel stuck in their mundane lives: go. Go somewhere exciting. Take charge of your life. Time is only running out.
