Enjoying Unplanned Disruptions

Consider the flight path of an airline, with lights glowing brightly at each potential destination. The twinkling light is like a call light or beacon for the plane, the pattern crisscrossing across the map—but there is always a most direct route to the port of call.

Many times in your life, you have a port-of-call light glowing on your path as your destination—not as the final destination, but a destination along your route, your flight path. You may have several layovers or disruptions in your intended travels along the way.

Do you begrudge your pilot, the airline, and everyone on the flight, or do you pick up the meaningful interactions that may actually be the intended connection of your soul—through a glance, a smile, or a meaningful exchange?

Those are the intended paths, the stops, the delays that have you exactly where you are meant to be at the exact pinpoint in time. Look around with wonder and curiosity at what brings you a modicum of pleasure in every situation you’re in.

The greatest experiences in life are the unplanned, certain mishaps along the way. The memories aren’t made from the perfectly planned algorithm, but in the skipped beats—the flare-ups of something that draws your attention either to something else or away from what you’re focused on.

It takes disruptions to break the spell of strong focus once it’s taken hold, even if that focus is leading you off your intended path. Go easy. Accept, and even enjoy, the disruptions. Some fun may be found in every moment if you’re open to it and looking for it.

Seek pleasure in the now, without the constant connection to your watch or timepiece. Enjoy life—all of it. There’s always a connecting flight to get you back on your designed path.