It was bizarre not traveling most of 2020 due to the pandemic. Going from an average of 130 days over the past ten years to only traveling five in all of 2020 was a shock to the system. At first I didn’t miss it – the hustle and bustle, crowded airports and planes, and the TSA – but after reflecting on it, I have some travel memories that I’d like to share, along with the lessons I picked up from them.

On a flight from Columbus to Washington DC the plane was diverted due to strong winds. In Baltimore, I overheard many passengers losing their minds at the poor airport staff – as if they controlled the weather. That’s the wrong approach. Focus only on what you have control over: your attitude. Stop blaming, and start thinking about what to do next. For me, my destination was Washington DC, so I looked at my options for getting there, hopped on an Amtrak, and arrived at my hotel three hours late but no worse for the wear.

My number one mantra when I travel is “Yes, and…” The improviser’s mindset has kept my stress levels in check, has allowed me to make alternate plans, and has allowed me to not be one of those passengers who blames people who had no say in what happened. If you’re kind to people who are just trying to do their job, the universe may just reward you. It’s all about the attitude that you choose.