I find that airports are one of the most common places to find growth, connections, and insight to humanity. Every time I catch a flight, I'm moved by the little actions that show the goodness of the community. My character and perspective on the world improve each time I open my eyes and heart to each of the following experiences that can be found in an airport.
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1. Patience
Patience is a given. From waiting in a never-ending line to putting up with a child kicking your seat, the airport is always a good measure of tolerance. After a few times in the waiting game situation, you'll most likely find yourself able to handle more and able to let things go more easily. You might start to see what's happening in the line rather than what's causing a hold up, such as a child eager to get on his first plane, or a young man helping an elder with a heavy suitcase. Rather than focusing on being stuck in an unlucky situation, practicing patience in an airport will open your eyes to the more important aspects of life.
2. Empathy
In an airport, there is almost always a problem or someone who is having an off day. It might be a women who missed her flight due to a late shuttle bus or a couple having a horrible time because their child won't stop crying on a flight. At first, one might get annoyed with the woman who's complaining to the employee selling tickets. They're holding everyone else up with their own problem! One might be outraged that a screaming child is keeping them from sleeping on a flight, and wondering if the parents are incompetent. Once you see these situations unravel before you a few times, though, you start to feel for the people. The woman who missed her flight just wants to get home, and you can identify with that. Those young parents are doing their best, and you can appreciate how hard they're trying to keep everyone else happy.
3. Sacrifice
There are many different kinds of sacrifice. A young couple saying goodbye for now so that one can reach for their dream job is a sacrifice. One man giving another his seat so he can sit by his family is one, as well. Although these situations are different, the principle is the same. The airport is full of people giving up a bit of their own happiness or comfort for another. Keeping an eye out for these instances gives me increased faith in humanity. One can learn what it means to give without anything in return in this environment.
4. Appreciation
Much like sacrifice, there are various forms of appreciation that one experiences while trying to catch a flight. Perhaps you witness some brave men and women from the army while checking in, or you notice how hard the security employees are working to keep everyone safe. Although these roles provide for the community in different ways, both require people who want to serve, protect, and unite. Witnessing this work in action not only gives a greater sense of appreciation for the men and women, but also emphasizes how lucky we are to have selfless people watching out for us.
5. Manners
In no other place have I ever witnessed so much chivalry and kindness. Everywhere you turn, you can witness men and women reaching out to one another to help with luggage, discuss their backgrounds, or even vent to each other about the long days they've experienced. You can find consideration, compassion, and empathy in this little community.
6. Acceptance
In a hectic environment such as an airport, one learns to roll with the punches. The experience you'll have there is unpredictable. The length of the lines, your seat neighbor, and delays are not something one can control, therefore, the airport is the perfect place to practice taking things one minute at a time. There is no use stressing over something that can't be changed. Practicing the ability to let things go is key, and there is no better environment to do so in.
7. The Little Things
Each of the character traits I've mentioned so far can be performed on any scale, but some of my favorite moments to catch are the little ones. I love seeing a big brother hold his sister's hand through the line so she doesn't get lost or feel scared. Watching two neighbors on a flight bond and chat about their lives is truly touching. These thousands of positive little things one can find in an airport have the ability to alter someone's day or even their lives. It's a beautiful situation to witness, and can inspire a newfound appreciation for people.
8. Love
Every positive thing you can witness in an airport is an act of love. A couple tearing up as they say goodbye, a mother soothing their nervous child, and two people just talking and getting to know each other are signs that there is compassion in the world. The human race still maintains goodness and a genuine interest in others. It is important to remember these acts of love and relish in the fact that you are blessed enough to experience them firsthand.
The amount of positive growth and experience that can unfold in an airport is unfathomable. All we have to do to allow these things into our character and hearts is open our eyes and look. Kindness is everywhere if you're open to finding it. The next time you're traveling, be sure to allow yourself to take a step back and let these experiences to stick with you.
