This Trip Didn't Go As Planned

A year ago this month, I boarded a flight to LA, expecting another exciting trip. Instead, I walked away with an injury & a lesson in resilience.

At the time, I was part of a mastermind group that met once a month, on the first day of the month, in LA. While I could tune in online, it was an entirely different experience being there in person.

Previously, when I had gone in person, I took the early flight out of KC, took an Uber from LAX to the venue right as the event was starting. I would stay there all day, have dinner with everyone, and then spend the night at the June Hotel right next to LAX—flying back early the next morning.

I LOVED it.

For me, the ultimate sense of autonomy, freedom, & feeling alive is traveling—especially when it’s flying into a city for one night.

It had gone smoothly every other time before, but on March 1st, I was in for an experience that would not only show me how far I had come, but also teach me that no matter how things fall apart, or what I lose, I am strong & resilient.

We were in the last moments of boarding—me on the aisle, a sweet teenage girl in the middle, and an older gentleman in the window seat.

As the flight attendants were closing all the overhead bins, the man in the window seat asked if she could grab his water bottle from his bag. The flight attendant was too short to reach, so she went off to find someone who could help.

Me, being only slightly taller than her, said I could get it down for him.

When I grabbed his bag to pull it forward, my hand slipped, and in some freak accident, it ripped my entire fingernail off the nail bed—only hanging on by a corner.

I immediately sat down and put pressure on my finger.

At that point, I didn’t know exactly how bad it was—only that it hurt, and I was absolutely not going to delay this plane from taking off.

The flight attendant asked if I was okay, handing me some napkins. I said yes.

But then, as we took off, I decided to look at my finger.

Cue the tunnel vision & sweating.

“No, Lauren. You will not pass out. You. Will. Not. Pass Out.”

I was totally in the teenager’s space as I tried to keep myself from passing out. Thankfully, the dizziness passed—but I knew I needed more than just some napkins.

Once we were at altitude, the flight attendant and I went to the back of the plane to use the first aid kit to wrap my finger.

Good thing I still have some nursing skills in me. 🙂

When I sat back down, I took some pain medicine I had brought with me.

Then it hit me.

At no point did I freak out.

At no point was I mad about how I had to switch from my original seat, that the man had asked for his water bottle, or that I got up to help.

I knew it was just a series of normal actions that led to a very abnormal experience.

And I was totally calm.

Not long before, this would have been the thing that sent me over the edge.

I would have spiraled—frustrated that my trip was ruined and overwhelmed that once again, something had gone wrong.

But this time, I could see how much I had changed.

I had the right things in place to support me.

I had taken the initiative to see a functional medicine doctor, so I had the right supplements on board for what I needed to feel my best.

I was prioritizing my mental health through gratitude journaling & creating space in my day for me to do the things I loved.

I was stepping outside of my comfort zone daily to build up the belief that I can handle whatever comes my way.

It allowed me to take a step back out of the situation, know I could handle it, and then also keep enjoying life in the process.

• I got to be reminded that my nursing knowledge & skills are still in there

• I had pain medicine with me to allow me to enjoy my experience in LA

• The girl next to me said, “Wow, you handled that all really well” which made my words of affirmation heart so happy

This is why small actions matter.

The daily choices we make - what we put in our body, the mindset work we do, the habits we build - aren’t just for when life is easy.

They are what gives us what we need when life throws us the unexpected.

So let me ask you - what small habits are you building today that your future self will thank you for?

Cheers,

Lauren

PS - The older gentleman was extremely apologetic, I got a star bucks gift card, & my nail grew back 5 months later & it looks good as new

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• If you want to build self-confidence & gain clarity on your next right step. Download my Fitting in to Flying Free guide.

• I’m mixing this with my water first thing in the morning and it’s getting me through the afternoon slump.

• If you are struggling to figure out your next right step or want your own roadmap to the life you want to create. Download my Alignment Roadmap template. This template will help you identify what’s important to you, the steps to get there, & encouragement when you need a reminder.

• The Growth Day App is a personal development guide in your pocket. I use the morning & evening journaling prompts as well as listen to the mini-podcast each day to keep my mind in a state of moving forward with confidence & clarity.

• Without fail, I will drink Ryze Mushroom Hot Cocoa before bed each night. I kid you not, it has worked to increase the quality of my sleep when so many other products have not.

• If you have ever felt on the outside or had a nudge to do something different than what is expected of you. Come join us in The Unconventional Woman’s Club - a membership based community designed to support women who feel like they don’t quite fit into traditional molds. It’s a space for women seeking clarity, confidence & connection as they design a life that aligns with their true selves.

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