Airport Joy

I have this thing I call “Airport Joy”. A handful of people that know me know about it.

It goes something like this...

A few years back while traveling, I noticed one day that so many people around me in the airport seemed miserable. So many people were rushing, seemed angry, were unkind, ungrateful, unaware of others around them, lacked common courtesy, refused to make eye contact. So many people seemed unhappy. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand traveling can be A LOT. I’ve gone through all the reasons why so little joy might be found in an airport. 

BUT... it got me thinking…

What if I exuded happiness when I’m traveling with the sole goal of making other people happy too? What if my positive energy could be shared with those around me? 

So I started testing it out. It became like a mini personal challenge...Feel joyful.  Look people in the eye as I walked toward them. Smile at them. What’s the worst that could happen? 

I decided I’d judge my efforts by how many people I could get to smile back.

At first it felt a little weird to do this as you might imagine, but holy crap, I couldn’t believe it! Seemingly sad, miserable, unaware, angry people started looking up, making eye contact, and SMILING BACK! Even if it was for just a moment, it seemed to be working! I was spreading “airport joy”!

So last night as I traveled home from Florida with my two overtired, sunburnt little loves, I took the mini challenge for the umpteenth time to spread some airport joy. 

SIX...yes SIX seemingly miserable people felt that positive energy, made eye contact, and smiled back.

Imagine if we all did this, not just in the airport, but in our every day life. Imagine how many people might be impacted. Imagine how many people might smile and, even for just a moment, feel happiness or hope.

So I’m challenging all of YOU to step into the world today with a smile. Muster up some positivity and see how much joy you can spread.  It may seem simple or small, but my God, I promise you it feels so good.