Article ~
"We could never learn to be brave and patient
if there were only joy in the world."
~ Helen Keller
"Patience is something you admire in the
driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead."
~ Mac McCleary
Oh Goody,
Opportunities to be Patient
by Barb
Langlois
I think the key word for this holiday season is “patience.” In the past this hasn’t been an area of strength for me but I’m working on it. What about you, how patient are you?
A few weeks ago, my level of patience was tested to the max. I was heading to Las Vegas to assist with some processes in a Boot Camp, hosted by one of the world champions of public speaking. I live near the border so I thought it would be easiest if I crossed the border in my vehicle and then flew out of Bellingham. My flight was at 0920 so I gave myself plenty of time (you never know how long the line-up will be at the border). I hit the border at 6:50, no line-up. Perfect. I drove up to the border crossing guard. I gave him my passport as he asked where I was going. “Las Vegas.” He asked some more questions and then some more questions. I’m thinking “oh, come one.” Finally he said, “Ms. Langlois, we’ll need to speak with you inside!” I thought “oh goody, I got picked for a random check.” (I wasn’t really thinking that but what would you be thinking?)
I pulled into the parking space and went inside. For those of you who have never been detained by US Customs and Immigration, you have a choice of two benches to sit on. Regardless of which bench you choose, two cameras are focused on you, at all times. It’s one continuous photo op. The counter is about 10 feet away. Oh, I almost forgot to describe the decor. On the wall, there’s a big white clock with black hands.
To make a long story short, I was interrogated and I mean interrogated by four different border guards. They all asked similar questions: "What do you do?" "Where was your last contract?" "How much did you make?" "How much do you charge per speaking engagement?" "How much money did you earn last year?" and it went on and on. They had my passport and Border Guard #4 was different from all the rest – he asked for my keys. What was interesting to me was, surprisingly, I was very patient. My usual way would be to start panicking about being late for my flight but not this time. I answered their questions then sat and gazed at the decor, watching the minutes tick by. They searched my van. I was hoping they would surprise me and say "we found 20 bucks" but no.
60 minutes passed, 65 minutes, 70 minutes, 75 minutes. Finally at 77 minutes, Border Guard #4 called me up to the counter, again. He gave me my keys and passport and said, "Welcome to the United States, Ms. Langlois." If you think about it, it was quite a welcome as they had spent a lot of time getting to know me.
It was now 0807 and I could still make my flight, if I hurried. I got to Bellingham airport and lucky me, I found the only parking spot, way, way, way in the back of the parking lot. I thought "No problem, this is a small airport, no-one will be at the check-in counter, I’ll make it." I entered the airport and to my surprise, there were approximately 500 people in line. "Oh goody, more opportunities to practice being patient" is what I would love to tell you I was thinking. In reality, it wasn’t in the top 5 things that came to mind. What would you be thinking? I went to the back of the line which was in baggage claim. The good part was that the computers were down, so the plane was delayed. I would make it onto the plane. One and a half hours later, I got to the counter. I checked in and headed for security. I was carrying my bags on because I was only going to be gone 2 nights and I don’t like waiting in baggage claim. Do you?
I went through the security check, no problem. My bag was on the belt scanner and the lady watching the screen said to another security guard "could you check this bag?" You’ve got to be kidding me. My bag? Everything was taken out and examined. All my clothes, toiletries, everything went into the bins and re-scanned not once, but twice. Now be honest, do I look suspicious? Is it my braces? How patient would you be at this time? Me, well I hopped up on a table and sat and waited. I didn’t know what they were looking for, but they wouldn’t be finding it in my bags. When they were done, I thought "Oh goody, I get to pack my bag again."
As I got onto the plane, they warned us it would be a bumpy ride. Within 10 minutes of take off, the lady beside me was air sick. I know you must be thinking what I was thinking: "Yeah, yet another opportunity to be patient!" This time I put my nursing skills to good use and handed her my "airsick bag." You may be surprised to know that the rest of the trip was free of opportunities to grow my patience. Maybe I had passed the test!
Now I have to tell you, all of this really did happen to me. While it’s an interesting story (at least that’s the story I’m making up), it is also a good reminder that delays are inevitable, especially at this time of year. Here are my suggestions: find some humour in it, if you can; assist where you can; and always, always, always smile for the cameras, you’ll feel good. And that’s important!
Have a fun-filled, relaxing holiday filled with lots of laughs and lots of patience!
Helping You Step Out of the Ordinary!
Barb Langlois RN BSN MSN
Speaker and Seminar Leader
(1) 604.819.1888
www.BarbLanglois.com
e-Mail me at: barb@barblanglois.com
P.S.
Remember to email me to indicate you are attending my FREE workshop "Me First-Guilt Free." Tuesday, January 19 from 1900-2030 in Chilliwack or Tuesday, January 26 from 1900-2030 in Vancouver. The response has been fantastic! This is open to all but please let me know if you are planning to attend.
P.P.S.
My new 2-CD Set is available "Ordinary People Doing ExtraOrdinary Things: Interviews with Barb Langlois." Incredible interviews with a world champion of public speaking, best-selling author, international model turned pilot and a self-made multi-millionaire / master firewalking instructor. Hear their stories, struggles, problems and advice they received. Each of them also gives practical advice to anyone wanting to follow their dreams plus a whole lot more. Only $12.95
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