Travel is a necessary activity to maintain a balanced mental state. For me, It is a time of reflection, introspection and solitude. My typical flight lasts at least 6 hours and provides ample time for reading , research and planning the next steps in my life’s journey. Travel acts as therapy for me, rejuvenates my mind and allows me time to analyze and critique past activities. The ‘me’ time I get while reading or simply relaxing in my plane seat is invaluable. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive- it is simply time away from your regular environment to relax, sightsee, shop, meet friends or take a drive out of town. Travel=reflection =therapy= balanced mental state
This week, I made my first intercontinental travel since February 2024, four months ago. I am excited to meet up with husband and travel alone. Despite getting to the airport somewhat late due to work demands, I was still able to check in within the the ‘one hour before take off’ window. I prefer to travel light and typically will check in a bag or at most two bags with a carry-on for my laptop and essentials. The day of travel went well, as planned, and allowed me the opportunity to write. Pre-boarding time is when I observe the world around me go by, a time for reflection and introspection
During this trip, I witnessed and experienced two events that inspired the title of this write-up: “Why Every Request Shouldn’t Be Granted.”
The first event occurred as I boarded the plane. Noticing many young children, I reflected on my experiences as a young mother two decades ago. One little girl, likely 7 or 8 years old, ahead of her mother, asked a flight crew member for a hug. The man respectfully declined, and smiled at her. His response was appropriate, given the inappropriateness of a stranger hugging a young girl. I hoped her mother observed this innocent gesture, helped her understand the situation, and used the opportunity to explain to her why her request for a hug was not granted.
Happy to be on the plane, I reached for my carry-on when the passenger next to me immediately asked if I wanted the window seat, as he didn’t care for it. I was busy with a work message and didn’t respond right away. Although I didn’t feel obligated to answer immediately and because my designated seat was the aisle seat, I gestured that I was finishing a task. He waited but seemed to demand a response. In a good mood, I agreed to switch seats, provided the seat was functioning properly. However, I found that the seat belt lock wasn’t closing properly. A flight attendant confirmed this issue, though it wouldn’t affect comfort. My seat partner then offered to return to his seat, and I agreed. Later, he realized his seat had more issues and was unhappy. This experience made me reflect on balancing kindness with dignity . Although I tried to grant someone’s wish, there was a line I wasn’t going to cross. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the values that I hold dear and knowing when they need to be reassessed.
In life, there are no right or wrong answers to how we should act in a given situation. As we journey through life, we must continually learn about ourselves, hold on to values that are authentic and true, be selfless and kind, but also know why we hold on to our values and be ready to defend them when necessary. By now, you should have an understanding of why every request shouldn’t be granted. If you know, I am glad you took away one or two learnings from my writeup.
Till next time, when I get a chance to write again, Hasta La vista!!! Hasta Luego
