As many of you know, I get the opportunity to fly often. This may seem strange to those who think flying is a pain but I try to reframe my thoughts and see it as an adventure. And to say it was an adventure a couple of weeks ago as the FAA shut down American Airlines and forced 3,300 flights to be canceled is an understatement. 

In flying to DC I had Cindy, my assistant, double-book me on a Southwest airlines flight back from DC because something told me AA was going to cancel my flight. And I DID NOT want to be stuck in an airport for the weekend. That would be carrying the idea of an adventure too far! Sure enough, I get a phone call from AA at 6:00 a.m. informing me that my hunch was right. HA! I'm one up on you AA! I'm going home on SOUTHWEST!

At the airport I made it through security. No problem.  Not surprised, I boarded an entirely full SWA flight. No problem. We took off on time and landed on time. No problem. No hassles. Friendly flight attendants. No problem. No FAA inspections. Free peanuts (which AA doesn't offer). I actually enjoyed talking with a woman who trains dogs to assist our military personnel who are amputees from combat. Fascinating. No problem. Did I mention AA canceled and I flew SOUTHWEST home, on time? No problem.

Generally this kind of travel is not worth mentioning. It is supposed to be normal getting from one place to another without a hassle. Not anymore. Today, it's a friggin' miracle.

Change happens. What it takes to stand out and be counted on in the midst of change and stressful times is what makes one a leader. Being different and standing up to the challenge in the midst of change makes one remarkable.

No problem.

rb