A Massive Reframe

I am about to describe an epic first world struggle and I absolutely can hold perspective to know our story is not a tragedy! We are disappointed and also aware of our resources and privileges :)

I have been looking forward to today for a while; it has been a bit since I’ve unplugged and taken time off for vacation and I booked myself and my 2 kiddos for a quick cruise for fall break. We arrived to the beach yesterday excited, grateful, and ready, and as I plan everything *sigh* through my perfectionist lens, we arrived early for our boarding time with our carry on perfectly packed. And then, because life is complicated and rules are stupid, we were denied entry. My passport expired last year and my birth certificate, which worked perfectly well last year, was no longer a vital records accepted copy. We tried several hail Mary’s, waited for several hours while our luggage was lost then retrieved, and then were left slightly crestfallen as the MSC Seashore departed without our winning smiles and my ice cold Aperol spritz in hand.

We cried, dealt with interesting customer service, and then I was left with a pretty clear choice. Allow the disappointment and narrative of resentment, or pivot and get creative. And so, we got creative :). We may not be on my perfectly planned trip, but we have resources, time without commitments, and most importantly, each other and the cheerleaders who kept up our spirits today. And also, I could focus on some human villain moments today, but instead, here’s the real beautiful human story today:

The absolute employee of the year who showed up today and offered us a hug and pizza and also told us our emotions are important and it’s okay to cry.

Our lovely new hotel concierge who absolutely knew we needed a room upgrade so we could see fireworks.

And this morning, we played and jumped in real ocean waves and shepherded a baby turtle to their new ocean home.  We are not alone, we never are. We live with disappointment, error, and big waves of emotions but somehow, it’s all a part of this crazy earth school.

I’m watching fireworks now, open and willing to receive the experience of tomorrow. Maybe with some new reminders that plans are never perfect, love comes in many forms, and when one can truly ride the wave of human experience with open arms and wide eyes, it’s beautiful.

Peace and love to you on your journey,

Cassie