Dear Tribe,
Some may know I have travelled extensively this year, and I’m sure most of you don’t know I prefer to be at home. My house is truly a home to me, and traveling takes me entirely out of my comfort zone.
I am reminded of the time I started scuba diving. Talking about an “uncomfortable” zone, then that is undoubtedly it. The gear you need to descend under the ocean is heavy, uncomfortable, and against the grain of ordinary. I wear a size three shoe, and the fins alone make me realise the outfit is designed for diving and not living. When we glide through the water, only moving our feet slightly, the discomfort of the fin immediately becomes the tool to explore the ocean and its beauty effortlessly.
Regardless of the mystery of this experience, it truly changed how I think about life. We must be able to rely on something or someone at times. The system keeps us safe. We only need to follow it and stick to the guidance of the master diver on duty. He keeps his eye on several things an unskilled diver doesn’t need to think about.
As I travelled with various airlines, I noticed the following: they all are well known, have mostly the same procedures, and work according to the same plans. I never had any reason to doubt the pilots’ qualifications and secretly admired those who kept such a heavy plane on course and handled situations efficiently.
However, one thing stood out for me: the level at which the air hosts made me feel. Those who sincerely served the passengers with kindness and excellence had the secret to making us relax and enjoy the journey. Their quiet confidence and genuine care made us feel safe, and the stress of travelling slipped away.
Not all airlines can boast of this quality, definitely to their detriment.
So, it is in life. Some people have the exquisite ability to make others feel safe and at home. This is a rare and precious quality in business—management and staff who can treat others respectfully and passionately.
The truth is, we have very little control over the actions of others, but we can decide how we will respond, and staying focused on being kind and respectful should be our pursuit.
One airline stood out for me. They pursue excellence with their staff and clients. The passengers are their priority, and I still feel warm when I reflect on it.
Tribe, we deal with many co-workers and clients during this festive season. I encourage you to remain calm, focus on making others feel treasured and valued, and see the effect it will have on your own experience of life! It’s uncomfortable because it’s so much easier to become part of the normal flow of life, get angry, say the wrong things, etc. However, just as the uncomfortable fin causes the diver to glide through the water effortlessly, the same way a smile does, even when there is no reason for it to impact your life and those around you.
Have an excellent November.
Love,
Miskyah