Airports are an awful place.
Until recently I’d not experienced an airport for a very long time, and the only memories included adults being in charge of child me. So now as an adult, I find an airport to be a harrowing experience.
The endless waiting
The suitcase weight angst
The traffic/being far too early dichotomy
The exorbitant prices
Security
Will flights be delayed?
Did I lock the front door?
The anxiety that an airport whips up is immense. Akin to a panic attack, airports push so many emotions to the front of the brain, that so many of us agree it is the worst part of any holiday experience.
Yet, unlike any other situation where we are anxious and overwhelmed, the airport is one of the few times we give ourselves grace. Certainly from my experience the angst caused by a melee of emotions whipped up from difficult work situations, tension, and lack of sleep is a very similar feeling - yet I treat that with guilt, frustration, and more pressure.
I don’t feel any guilt or shame at the airport.
I don’t beat myself up about it - because there is nothing I can do, I’m not in control, and usually with time will ease.
Is there perhaps a lesson to be learned here?
When I’m anxious at home, usually, there is nothing I can do, I’m not in control, and usually with time will ease.
So maybe airport rules apply to all angst and stress. Perhaps we (meaning I, but also you reading this) need to be kinder, and mindful, and give ourselves the one thing we need in these most stressful of times; peace and kindness.
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