I had allowed the whole day to travel from Peterborough by train to get back home to Fife, Scotland after delivering a training course, but unfortunately due to problems on the line between Peterborough and the next station my journey, was redirected across country, multiple changes, and a four hour delay resulted… no big deal I had allowed the whole day for travelling.
I smiled inwardly at the people who seemed to think getting frustrated or angry was somehow going to make a difference as I listened to the announcements, and to the guidance by the brilliant staff who bore the brunt of travellers outbursts. But here is the thing I found most interesting…
On the 3 or 4 times I asked a staff member about times or connections as my journey unfolded, those around me who were also affected listened as they answered and if it was relevant to them, they said to me something like “I’ll just look out for you”, or “I’ll just follow you”. In once case, even the guard on the train having answered my question about my next connection, went on to give help to another passenger, and said, whilst pointing at me, “just follow him”.
I wasn’t holding up an umbrella with “Tour Guide” on it (although another guard suggested I should!). I’m guessing here is just something about the way I ‘show up’ with a confidence that in some way communicates “I’ve got this and it’s not going to be a problem”.
This is what being a firewalker is about…
Knowing that whatever challenges you face, if you smile and welcome the challenge, safe in the knowledge that this too shall pass, and you’ll come out the other side, you’ll have an experience which will provide you the opportunity to learn and grow.
Look to the horizon because the adventure is in front of us, always!
