I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it’s only a choice of attitude. I recently witnessed one of the most amazing displays of a positive attitude I’ve ever seen and it occurred at a most unlikely place — an airport. The woman was a Delta gate agent who was trying to deal with a planeload of unhappy passengers (including me) whose flight had just been cancelled. She had no help, was working with an inadequate computer system (so everything took three times as long to do as it should have) and there was a long line of people who needed changes or answers. In spite of that she greeted each person warmly, was polite and laughed on the phone with colleagues while trying to get things sorted out. In short, she was incredibly patient and an ace multitasker, plus she did it all with grace and a smile.
Most of us were feeling tired and grumpy since we had been there for nearly six hours while our fight was delayed multiple times for mechanical problems before finally being cancelled. For the majority of the passengers that meant we wouldn’t make it to our destinations until the next day. However, although everyone was frustrated with the delays and overall poor service of the airline, no one took that out on her because her positive attitude was so infectious. Instead of being impatient or rude, people were supportive and tried to make her life easier. When you’re feeling impatient today, try smiling and being kind! See if that changes the situation.
Money Saving Tip
Have a wedding in your future? Whether it’s your own wedding or your child’s, start with a clear idea of what’s important to you and how much money you can afford to spend. If inviting the whole family and lots of friends is important, don’t sacrifice that value so you can afford a formal sit-down meal and a more opulent wedding for just a few people. If dancing is important consider all the options for music instead of assuming it has to be limited to one DJ or one band that is very expensive. Weddings are a way to celebrate your love and share the happy occasion with others. Don’t mortgage your future and start your marriage off with extra stress by going into debt.
What made you smile today?
What made you proud of your money choices today?
