David Walliams, a comedian, author, and actor, once said, "All human life can be found in an airport."
In the past year, I have spent an innumerable amount of hours flying alone. And, in that time, the airport has wasted no opportunity to prove to me that it is the epitome of human life in that it is a lieu for people's emotions.
The most prominent of these emotions unleashes itself even before we arrive at the airport. This I like to call airport anxiety. Picture this... for the past few days, you've spent hours deciphering the combination of clothes and necessities for your relaxing getaway. You've double-checked and triple-checked your flight schedule and passport. And, if you're a loving pet owner, you've found a babysitter able to give the same care and compassion to your beloved family member. You haven't even gotten to the airport and already you've invested hours upon hours in preparation.
When you finally walk through those sliding doors and into the excessively air-conditioned building, you instantly are bombarded by so much happening and so much needing to be done. You search the signage for your airline while some children are running around or crying incessantly. You endure the long lines for the security checkpoint and spend the time making sure you didn't accidentally leave an unacceptable item in your carry-on. And, in some instances, you run to your gate to make it to that flight that will finally take you away from the chaos that is the airport. It's only been a couple of hours, but already you've dealt with fear, anxiety, relief, anger, confusion, and so much more.
My first experience alone at the airport unraveled in this way. I never wanted to set foot in such a place again. But luckily, as I flew more and more, becoming an avid flyer, the airport became less chaotic. In the absence of the "craziness," I noticed something about myself in the airport. Actually, I noticed many things.
I discovered:
...that I hate dragging around bags with clothes that I would never end up wearing.
...that the best time to eat trail mix is at the airport, because you have all the time in the world to separate the hodgepodge of nuts and M&M's.
...that I love talking to strangers.
...that I will walk miles in circles to find a seat at a gate that faces the airport runways, so I could watch the aircraft take-off and land.
...that I love families and that every time I would see one, I'd smile and think of my own.
Tackling the airport giant head-on by yourself is a great feat. We all face challenges in different ways. In the beginning, I attempted to overcome the airport by extreme preparation and a focus on reaching the gate. Unfortunately, that led to anxiety and being overwhelmed by a chaotic atmosphere. Just like human life, if you are constantly fighting against what you can't control, you'll always end up two steps back. However, if you take a moment and observe your surroundings, you'll have a more pleasant experience. Eventually, you'll get there and maybe even find something about yourself.
“Focus on the journey not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” -- Greg Anderson, writer of "The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness"
My advices to you when you're flying alone are come early if you can, grab a snack, and find a good seat at a gate, any gate. Just make sure it's somewhere where there are people and you have space to think. Try not to get lost in the pandemonium, it's only a facade.
Currently, I no longer have that airport anxiety. I've actually come to love the airport and the experience it gives, especially when I'm flying alone. Some of the things I've learned about myself before my flight are worth more than the ticket I paid to fly.
My final thought for you: Sometimes you lose yourself at the airport but if you just take one second you might find a treasure amidst the chaos.
