This is a story about saboteurs, you know the mind messages that stop us from moving forward.
Main Characters:
A slew of saboteurs
Me playing me
gate agent
Setting: Airport Gate Check-in for the dream trip of a life-time
I have waited a lifetime for this trip. Excitement is an understatement. The brochure said bring only a carry-on because they will supply us with all of the necessary clothes. So I pack my suitcase bringing all the essentials, shampoo, toothbrush, change of clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, etc. The only thing not packed is my nicely folded pile of saboteurs. My suitcase is pretty full at this point so my heart rate begins to increase, "How am I going to fit this pile of saboteurs into my bag?" Answer, "I just am." I begin to stuff them in as nicely as I can rearranging the essentials, using every inch of my bag. The first one in which is the largest of the pile, FEAR, 2nd one and almost as big, self doubt, then comes critic, the waiter (always waiting for just the right time), 5th one laziness, then negativity, then the pleaser, and my final and favorite the avoider. All neatly, though a little crammed, stuffed into my suitcase ready to depart with me on the dream trip of life-time. Whew what a relief. Next stop the airport.
Upon arrival I looked around to see if others had carry-ons busting at the seams, they did. I breathed a sigh of relief, I am not the only one not wanting to leave without the essentials toothbrush, change of clothes and my trusted saboteurs. I went to check-in at my gate and I was busted...
my bag was over the maximum limit allowed to carry-on.
Gate agent: "I am sorry ma'am your bag seems to be over the maximum allowed for carry-on"
Me: "Seriously?"
Gate Agent: "Seriously, you are going to have to remove some of the items in your carry-on or you will be required to check your bag."
Me: "I don't have anyone to give my extra stuff too. I can't check it in, I HAVE to HAVE my bag with me at all times."
Gate Agent: "I am sorry ma'am it is policy. Are there critical medications you will need during your flight that you can carry-on in your purse?"
Me: "Well not really but kinda of."
Gate Agent: "You are going to have to decide quickly as there are other passengers waiting to board. I need to have the plane completely loaded within the next 15 minutes."
Me: "I understand. I will need a couple of minutes to figure this out."
Gate Agent: "Fine, next please."
My heart was racing, my hands were clammy, sweat was pooling on my forehead. How was I going to decide what saboteurs I was going to take and leave ALL within 15 minutes. I have carried them with me since I don't know when, ALWAYS. I was probably born with them. Out came me and out came my trusty saboteur friends.
I stood there looking at my bulging suitcase barely able to be zipped shut, I closed my eyes, I took the deepest breathe I had ever taken, I let my chest rise and fall like the swell of an ocean. Tears began to pool in my eyes. I knew what to do. I had faith. I trusted. I had everything I would ever need right inside of me. I sat for just a moment gathered myself and walked back up to the gate agent with my ticket in hand.
Gate Agent: "Will you be needing a gate check ticket?"
Me: "No thank-you, I don't have any carry-on's."
Gate Agent: "Enjoy your flight."
Me: "Thank you, it is my first flight of a dream trip of a life-time."
Recommended books:
Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine
Taming Your Gremlins by Rick Carson
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