I Got on The Wrong Train

Published: Tue, 02/20/24

Dear ,

I'm usually a pretty organized traveler. I start packing 3 days ahead so that I have time to remember what I'm forgetting.

I have double of everything so my toiletries, makeup, and hair products are always at the ready.

I coordinate my outfits with room to mix and match with extras for emergencies.

My itinerary is printed and in my calendar. I double check everything the night before, including estimated Uber times to arrive at my destination.

And.... I got on the wrong train today. I'm not used to US train travel and I treated myself to a business class ticket on the Acela train from Newark Penn Station.

I arrived early. I checked the platform. I was told where to stand for my business class car. A train arrived. It was the exact time my train was to arrive. I got on. Sat in my assigned seat after asking the person who was iny assigned seat to move.

I got comfy. The train departed a minute early. Glad I was onboard. The conductor came to check my ticket.

"Ma'am, you are on the wrong train." Oh crap! Now what? It's not like I can hop off.

I was a bit frustrated with myself for not paying closer attention and just assuming I was on the right train. Ugh! Now what? I have a coaching call with clients tonight. I need to get to DC on time.

My angel, disguised as a conductor, said, "Don't worry, we'll get you straightened out." So I relaxed and didn't worry. I trusted it would all work out.

Normally I would have beaten myself up so bad for messing up. I would have felt the stress in my belly, like nausea. I missed my first class train experience. I would have been 'shoulding' all over myself.

But I didn't. I was curious as to how this would work out. It was a new adventure that I wasn't expecting. Let's see what happens.

As I write this, I'm on the next train. It's the right one. I checked and double checked. I'll arrive only one hour later than planned.

Coach class isn't that bad. It's actually quite comfortable and they refunded me $18. I decided that my angel/conductor deserved that money since he escorted me to the right train in Philly to make sure my confused a$$ didn't mess up again. (I did once I boarded but we don't need to talk about that

)

So, why am I telling you this? It's so you stop being so hard on yourself and others.

Give yourself grace and turn obstacles into adventures and opportunities.

Stop stressing and get curious about what will unfold.

Trying to control every outcome is exhausting.

Give people a chance to be angels in your life. It makes them happy to help. You don't need to figure out everything on your own.

Below is a photo of me and my conductor/angel. When we took this selfie, his colleagues and the cops kept ribbing him.

He was smiling from ear to ear. That's why I got on the wrong train today.

Someone needed a reason to smile. 😊

All the best,

P.S. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and join my Optimize Your Life Facebook Group for additional support.

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