Let’s face it. When we are “stuck” at the airport, we never really are. Stuck, that is. Perhaps we should consider that it’s the unexpected gift of excusable, justifiable free time to do those things we never have the time for, or make the time for. Taking a walk and getting some exercise is probably the most logical physical activity. And it’s one of the very few things you can find in this over populated plane prison that is free of charge (allowing you to save up for that $4 baby size bottle of water you’ll be needing to buy after the walk). I recognize I just dropped some negativity and judgement out of my silver lined luggage for a moment. But all of us hold on to some baggage in our “carry-ons” and I’m not delusional enough to think this is always realistic if you aren’t dressed for a sweat session, or while required to drag around and guard personal belongings, especially the most prized possessions of them all…children. However, here is a chance to take that long walk (even if leisurely) that you “just haven’t had the time for.” Perhaps, on the contrary, you always include a workout in your daily routine and just need an excuse to do nothing. Or maybe need physical assistance and extra care, and thankfully have options to reserve a wheelchair, take a ride on a shuttle or airport cart, or receive walk free transportation on the moving sidewalk. Take advantage of such available offerings to preserve your energy and/or feel more comfortable with any limitations that could otherwise be a greater obstacle for you in this scenario. How nice it could be to finally have an opportunity to simply sit and relax without the pressure of working, cleaning, cooking, entertaining or impressing anyone, to just…do…NOTHING. Except maybe just a crossword puzzle. Pressure free. What about going to a bar for a drink and/or snack? The delay gives you a chance to do just that…sans excuse or defense. Make your way into a restaurant or bar where you’ll rarely ever be alone and more often than not, find yourself among others in a common situation…people to commiserate with, make friends with, network with, etc...

Then there’s the mall aspect. Because let’s face it. These days, most airports are mini-malls anyway. Fully equipped with massage stations, duty free makeup, food courts, perfume and alcohol shops, shoe shine stations, bookshops and even TV lounges. Need food, gum, candy, magazines, toys, clothing, last minute souvenirs, gadgets, technology, areas to stop to recharge your chargers, and an airplane waiting for you when it’s time to head out of town when you’re done? It’s all there…all the time.

Now, I am not an ignorant or an unrealistic person. If anything, I am the opposite. I am emotional and opinionated and wear my heart and thoughts on my sleeve. I can be impatient, nitpicky and reactive. I’ve been through it enough times to know it’s not all sunshine and lollipops (though I’m sure you can find lollops while in this dilemma) and I clearly recognize the downside. Long lines, loud noise, crowds, expensive everything, not enough places to sit when it gets busy. Oh wait…did you just forget where we were for a moment? This description sounds vaguely familiar after all. Disney world, anyone? Any amusement park for that matter. A concert, sporting event, NYC? You know…the places we pay significant money to choose to go for such similar side effects (minus the bonus of fresh air, which I don’t encourage taking for granted). But ultimately, my point is that there are some things we can’t control, but we always have a choice when it comes to our thoughts and how we choose to react and feel. I am still working on living with this knowledge and allowing my vibrations to reflect such recognition, though I’d be inclined to call myself a sophomore in the high school of understanding the higher self. I have a while to go before graduation, but awareness is the first step. Maybe sharing the knowledge is step one and a half?

There’s no denying that the unexpected change of plans, missing out on appointments, losing out on time with those who we are going to visit or anxious to get home to, is a less than desirable outcome to the trip we planned. But again…it’s completely out of our control. And I do believe everything happens for a reason. For whatever reason, it may be that the angels of the sky do not want us in the air at the original intended moment. I like to think they must know something we don’t, and so I’m reminding myself to whisper a secret thank you while waiting for a new take off time.

The moral of the walk we’ve taken while preparing to fly, is that while making your way to your gate, wear the more comfortable shoes. Be prepared for anything. Make the most of this unexpected free time we so often wish for, while it is freely given away without a formal request required. Enjoy the opportunity to have no other option than to sit down guilt free, do some socializing, snacking, shopping, people watching, or go for that procrastinated walk. Because although it never feels like it at the time, it’s worth embracing the delay for what it is. The reality is the only thing you are stuck in, might be the habit of a learned way of thinking and behaving. We no longer need to find frustration in the freedom of free time to do all we can in the confines of the airport walls, because the truth is…you’re never really stuck at an airport.