I'm easily worried. I stress everything about from my friendships to my future, and this includes traveling alone. When I found out I had to fly to an honors interview for a college three states away, you bet I was extremely stressed. On the surface, in the airport, I made jokes and looked like I wasn’t freaking out, but on the inside I was basically a train wreck that landed in a volcano during an earthquake. I got on the plane, didn’t end up sitting next to anyone I knew and–sure enough–I got a middle seat.
I could tell the person who sat next to me was an affluent man, although I didn't expect such good conversation out of him. His name was Chuck. I remember he had a job involving the military that also required flying around the world all the time. He was a tall, older gentleman with a good tan. When he spoke, there was frankness but also the kindness that often comes with experience. After the plane took off, he broke the awkward silence by asking me my name.
I wasn't used to talking with complete strangers, but I immediately obliged his introduction, if only to get my mind off of my impending honors interview. Eventually we got to talking about his job exploring and how he had flown around the world multiple times. When he asked me about my life, it seemed tiny in comparison. I told him how nervous I was for my impending interview. After that, we lapsed into silence for about an hour.
By this point, it was storming heavily where the plane was, but the plane was still rising so when we eventually broke above the clouds, my mind was blown. I casually glanced out the window expecting to see black, but instead saw a beautiful blue sky, with strips of clouds stretching as far as I could see. The sun was streaming down on a huge white blanket, making shadows with each ripple, adding more definition. I was floored. I glanced at Chuck and asked, "How often do you get to see views like that?" He looked out the window and said "Jon, I’m gonna tell you something I tell everyone I sit next to. Whenever you’re under the weather or sad or distracted, all you have to do is reach a little higher, and the sun is still there, shining away." Immediately, I thought it was weird that this stranger dropped such a bomb of a statement in my lap. I only met the guy an hour and a half ago! The next second, however, I realized exactly what he just said. My eyes started to water, because his advice felt like exactly what I needed to hear. It was an awesome moment.
After the plane landed, we parted ways. I went to my interview and traveled back home. The entire time, I couldn’t stop thinking about that idea. If you’re stressed, just remember to reach a little higher. Visualize a time when you weren’t stressed. Remember a time in your past when you were challenged by something that seems so minor now. It’s almost funny. It may be hard to do, but reach a little higher! All of your past experiences have led up to the point where you are now. The clouds will clear, the sun will break through and soon it will be a memory.
