Good morning.
It's Wednesday, November twenty-fifth.
For a lot of people...
today is travel day.
Maybe your bag is already by the door.
Maybe it's still half packed on the bed.
Maybe you're checking the flight status.
For the fourth time since you woke up.
Let's pause the checking.
Just for six minutes.
Sit down somewhere.
Put the phone face down.
It'll still work after this.
Now notice your body.
Any travel nerves hiding in there?
Maybe a buzzing in your stomach.
Maybe your shoulders creeping up.
That's just your body getting ready.
It means well.
Let's help it settle.
Here's a breath you can take anywhere.
At the gate.
Or stuck in traffic on the interstate.
Breathe in for four...
two...
three...
four.
Hold it gently for four...
two...
three...
four.
And out for six...
slow...
slow...
all the way.
Again.
In for four.
Hold for four.
Out for six.
Let your shoulders drop with it.
One more round.
In...
hold...
And a long, slow out.
To anyone watching...
you're just waiting in line.
Which is kind of the point.
Now picture your trip.
From the start.
You lock the front door.
You check your pocket for the keys.
They're there.
Picture the road, or the airport.
Crowded, sure.
But moving.
See yourself in line.
Bag on your shoulder.
Breathing that slow breath.
The line moves forward.
One step, then another.
You find your seat.
You sit down and let out a sigh.
Maybe there's a delay.
Picture that too.
The board changes.
People around you groan.
And you just breathe.
In for four.
Out for six.
You buy a coffee.
You text someone you'll be a little late.
They write back.
No worries, we'll save you a plate.
You find a spot by the window.
And watch the planes for a while.
And then you're moving again.
Now picture the end of it.
Pulling into the driveway.
Or walking out of arrivals.
Someone you love is waiting.
Maybe waving from the car.
Maybe opening the front door.
You made it.
Tired, maybe.
But there.
Feel what that's like.
The hug.
The smell of their house.
Most of what could go wrong today...
is just annoying.
Not a disaster.
A late flight.
A slow highway.
You've handled those before.
Pack these two lines, too.
I can stay calm on I the way.
will get there in my own time.
Rest here a moment longer.
Before the rushing starts.
Listen to the rain, far No off.
flight to catch yet.
Your bag can wait.
The traffic can Right wait.
now...
you're still Still home.
in your socks.
Start to come back.
Feel your feet on the floor.
Stretch your arms overhead.
Loosen your neck.
You'll be sitting a lot today.
One steady breath in...
And out.
Here's your one thing for today.
When a delay happens...
breathe before you react.
In for four.
Hold for four.
Out for six.
Then decide what to do.
Or say.
The gate agent didn't cause the storm.
A kind word might get you further.
Open your eyes when you're ready.
Safe travels.