March 5, 2005

Instant Focus

One day in May, a flight took off on time. Immediately, there were several loud booms followed by many screams and cries from the passengers.

Is the plane going to get off the ground??

Yes, it did.

This was an unforgettable moment in my life! I was the flight attendant sitting mid-aircraft near the engines. I remained calm on the outside, awaiting instructions from the Captain. Shaking on the inside and wondering what the next minute would bring, I was ready to conduct the emergency procedures I knew so well.

With one engine shut down the plane began to circle the airport. Circling would continue for four hours until enough fuel had been used to land safely, as this plane was not equipped to dump fuel. The Tower observed the landing gear, and gave us the OK for landing with emergency precautions. During this long period, the same buildings appeared in the windows over and over which was very disconcerting for the passengers. The flight attendants comforted them, honoring their fears and gathering together those who wanted support. Many shared things they would change in their lives when back on the ground, safe and sound.

The atmosphere was tense as the flight attendants prepared the passengers for an emergency landing. With airport equipment standing by, and many news reporters and TV cameras on the scene, the plane landed with each passenger braced in a heads down position. Cheering, clapping, and sighs of relief erupted among the passengers upon an uneventful landing. Prayers were answered. The pilots and flight attendants concentrated on safety procedures and forgot their fears. Rubber from a blown tire on take off jammed the engine, causing the loud booms.

• What do you do when “normal” crashes around you?
• Do you focus on your task and forget your fears?
• Is there a gap between what you say is important and what you are actually doing?

As a Life Coach, I coach my clients to look honestly at their situation and take the steps necessary to move forward.

With warm regards,

Susan Sadler Hayman
International Life Transitions Coach
Call me at 662-238-7754 or email me.