Have you ever felt like life rerouted your plans, snatched away your peace, and dared you to lose your composure—all in a matter of hours? I have. And it happened 30,000 feet in the air.
This isn’t just a story about flight delays, missed connections, or rude customer service. It’s a reminder that even in turbulence—literal or metaphorical—there’s purpose. Because when life throws you off course, it might just be directing you somewhere deeper.
When Everything That Could Go Wrong… Did
It started like any other travel day—arriving early, planning to unwind in the lounge, and preparing for a smooth journey home. But life had other plans. A policy change blocked lounge access. A delayed flight triggered a domino effect of missed connections. I accepted middle seats, lost upgraded perks, and ran through terminals like a sprinter—at my age And just when I thought I’d made it, I was met with a gate agent whose attitude stung more than the delay.
In those moments, I wasn’t just tired. I was unseen. Undervalued. And close to breaking.
But Then… A Gentle Reminder
Amid all the disruption, as I boarded the plane two flight attendants—KJ and Hannah—noticed me. They didn’t know the journey I’d had, but they saw the pain in my eyes. With a word, a glance, and a moment of grace, they reminded me of something important: kindness can land softly, even after a hard fall.
We often underestimate how much healing comes from being seen. Their compassion reminded me that even on the roughest days, light finds its way in. And so do people who reflect it.
From Setback to Setup
This wasn’t the journey I planned. But it became the journey I needed. It gave me a chance to reflect, realign, and remember who I am—especially when circumstances try to strip that away.
We all face moments where we feel mistreated, dismissed, or exhausted by forces we can’t control. The key for me through this: don’t let this moments define you. You get to define how we respond.
I could’ve let the delays, disappointment, and discourtesy derail me. Instead, I managed to find clarity in the chaos. Sometimes the detour is the destination—and where the real growth begins.
Betting on Resilience and Redirection
So how do we turn our toughest days into teaching moments? Here was my approach with this:
In those quiet hours crammed into a middle seat, I did what I do when the world feels loud, overwhelming, and unfair —I prayed. I asked the Lord to comfort me in a way that only He can. I invited peace into the chaos. I asked for the strength not to pick up any offenses, not to react in anger, not to need to control things, and not to respond with anything that didn’t reflect the love of Christ within me.
My anchor verse in that moment was Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). That scripture wasn’t just a gentle reminder—it was my lifeline. It called me back to center, reminding me that while I couldn’t control my circumstances, I could absolutely control what I allowed into my heart. Guarding it meant protecting my peace, my perspective, and my purpose. It meant trusting in God’s love, power, and purpose.
It was in that sacred pause—between frustration and faith—that I found clarity. And I was reminded: our responses shape our reality more than the circumstances do.
Here’s an approach that I believe helped me reset:
- Pause, don’t panic. When the plan falls apart, take a breath. You’re still in control of your peace.
- Name what you feel. Disappointment and frustration are real. Acknowledge them. Don’t let them own you.
- Look for the lesson. What is this moment teaching you about grace, grit, or growth?
- Choose your response. You can rise, even when the world doesn’t make it easy.
To anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, dismissed, or broken by circumstance—hear me clearly: you are not the storm; you are the survivor of it. Let those moments fuel your purpose, not your pain.
Through our Inspiration Moments, we explore ways to adapt, inspire, and thrive, finding insights and resources that make growth more achievable, even for those juggling many responsibilities. For more inspiration and resources to help you reach your potential, visit bettingonme.com. Together, let’s make the most of the opportunities before us and create a future full of promise.
Thanks for allowing me to join you on this journey. Until next time, keep thriving and believing that ‘Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.’
Respectfully,
Lynn “Coach” Austin
About
Lynn F. Austin is an educator, author, emerging AI thought leader, and doctoral candidate who is passionate about inspiring others to reach their highest potential. With a strong foundation in faith and expertise in leadership, personal growth, and AI in higher education, Lynn is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace challenges, opportunities, and change.
As a speaker, Lynn shares her insights and experiences at schools, conferences, and workshops. As the author of The Newman Tales children’s book series and other business, motivational, and faith-based books, Coach Austin draws from personal experience and professional expertise to motivate readers to join her toward purposeful living along a ‘life happens for me (not to me) to live my purpose’ journey of faith, growth, and inspiration.
