Silver Lining

Hello all from St. Louis, the gateway to the west.

Silver lining:

Here is my story; I was going to drive to St. Louis on Tuesday for my kid's hockey tourney. But, they closed the interstate, big storm. So I got a cheap tickets through priceline and I flew out yesterday at 6pm. Took me 2 and a half hours to get to Fargo because of the flood detours. So I get to Fargo and all is well, fly to Ohare and that is when the trip started to go a bit south. The flight I was to get on got canceled. Well, instead of getting upset with the poor gal behind the counter, I asked her to help. Here is the silver lining part. She was really nice but told me she didn't have a flight that left until today, Thursday. I was bummed but she did put me on stand-by for a flight that was leaving in 10 minutes. While I was waiting for that flight, she waved me back over to the counter, told me she found a flight on another airline! So I walked about 3 miles to the wrong terminal, then another 2 miles to the correct one. Once I got there, I found out that my flight was delayed an hour. I did end up getting into St. Louis at about 12:30 am. Oh, and I sat next to a pilot that was really cool and we chatted the whole way. I know, imagine me being that outgoing.

But guess what happened when I went to get my checked bag?? Yep, you guessed it, it didn't make it. Again, I chatted w/ a very nice gal at the baggage claim area and she said they would deliver it today to the hotel. As of now it hasn't shown up yet. Here is the silver lining on that, I am able to go to a store and buy clothes and anything else I need. You can't do that in every country.

It could be worse:

Heck at least I'm here.

Life Coach:

Never and I mean never get upset at the airport. When I was chatting with the pilot, he affirmed what I already suspected. The gals/guys behind the counter at the airport can get things done or they can make your life worse. Be nice to them anyway, they're just trying to get through the day like the rest of us. In life you have no idea how you effect people. Positiveness can have a great ripple effect.

Homework:

Be nice to someone in a customer service situation and see what happens. Even if you achieve the desired outcome, you won't be as upset about it.