It’s 9:30 am, Pearson Airport, Toronto, Air Canada flight something and I’m seated in 15D, an aisle of course, headed for a few days in Fort Lauderdale.
This flight = full.
This crowd = baby boomers chasing the warm weather.
The vibe = not what you’d expect from a plane full of almost-vacationing people. It’s tense, everyone in their heads about their itinerary, their stuff and where to meet their shuttle on arrival.
I travel a fair bit. I have my system locked. down. Passport, water bottle, headphones, backpack just the right size, tucked away under the seat in front of me. Paper back book for take off and landing. Laptop for work in between.
Just waiting for everyone to get their act together and we’ll be off.
Then…15E and F arrive.
Helen and Linda, I find out later.
They are buddies and, besides having matching bags, they do NOT have a system.
Overhead compartments are full.
They have giant carry-on bags, thin enough to go under their seats – long enough, they have to use them as foot rests. Oh snap, that’s not allowed. Those bags are headed for the luggage area.
Of course each of them also has a giant purse on their laps. Wait ’til the flight attendants get a hold of this.
Nothing happens. No one gets in trouble. Extra luggage spilling out of our row and we prepare for take off. How is this happening? They have these rules for a reason. No one should be decapitated by a hand bag at take off.
No rules on this seniors’ voyage, I guess.
You could say I’m a bit judgy at this point – avoiding eye contact and working away. Then, the drink cart arrives. Beers it is for Helen and Linda.
And it’s safe to say they are the two most relaxed, joyful people on the flight. That’s when we became friends. I learn all about their cruise. Helen’s husband Jack, who died 6 years ago, and the convenience store she owns. The banter between them. Round 2 of beers, of course. Me still with my water bottle, viewing Helen’s entire camera roll.
The flight lands. Chaos in our row. Linda and Helen take up too much space, their bags and their personalities encroaching on the row in front of us. A very angry and dramatic lady from 14C is glaring and giving it to them. It seems like hours pass before the plane door opens and we’re ready to deplane. Tension all around, except…
Helen and Linda. Laughing all the way to the baggage claim.
Me? I’m smiling for having this little slice of joy added to my day – grateful for the opportunity to get out of my head and into the moment. To meet these two lovely ladies and be glad I wasn’t one of the miserable ones looking for reasons my trip to sunny Florida will disappoint me.
6 Magic Words: Let me tell you a story
I was inspired to share a story this week after a wonderful conversation with Maurice Patane. We both share a love of stories as a way to move people. He mentioned this research by Dr. Roger Sperry.
Neuroscientists discovered that when people hear facts and data, only the left side of the brain engages. But when they hear the words, “Let me tell you a story,” both hemispheres light up and stay engaged. Dr. Roger Sperry’s split-brain research showed that storytelling activates emotion, narrative, and decision-making – making it far more powerful than charts or comparisons alone. Simply put, stories don’t just capture attention – they engage the whole brain.
Maybe try this today…
Start your next meeting or conversation with, “Let me tell you a story” and see what happens.
Mary
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