Keep calm in my carry-on: What I packed to stay relaxed while flying

I ended last week’s column with a decision to distract myself from my flying anxiety about my upcoming trip. After discovering I had one empty packing cube left, I went searching for something creative to fill it.

Accidentally, I found just the right thing.

In a small carrier bag, gifted to me from my late BB Zandra prior to my cancer surgery 25 years ago, I kept a portable CD player loaded with a relaxation recording. It calmed me during surgery prep and many anxious moments over the years. I decided to pack it in my carry-on so I could use it during the flight.

When I reached for the brightly colored bag in my closet, it tipped over and deposited its contents on the shelf where it lived.

Underneath the player and two pairs of earphones was a small softcover book, “Everyday Courage Therapy.” I had bookmarked it on a page that read “Don’t mistake nervousness for lack of courage. Courage doesn’t erase fear; it challenges and transcends it.”

When I read the words I was reminded of my brother congratulating me on my bravery during my cancer treatment. I told him that I was terrified and not deserving of accolades. His response: “Courage is when you’re scared and you do it anyway,” 

I sat down on the floor and read each of the 35 pages. Then I placed the book in my final packing cube which was just the right size for my carry-on bag. I was finally all set to leave the next morning.

Or so I thought. That evening I got a text from the airline that our flight had been canceled. 

It was like that feeling when you’re ready to give birth and the doctor tells you it will be another day or two. How could you be so ready and then have nothing happen? After much ado, we were rescheduled on a flight two days later.

“What’s the big deal about waiting two more days?” you might ask. 

And the answer is that the cancellation was due to weather problems. These are the same thunderstorms, tornadoes and generally yucky conditions that have been plaguing the Chicago area for weeks. The same ones I wrote about last week. Am I to believe they will disappear in two days? 

I just heard from United Airlines that there is a problem with their computer and they cannot email me a boarding pass. So I should be prepared to stand in line at the airport tomorrow to get one. At least I was able to fill all my packing cubes.

I am leaving the computer now to listen to my relaxation tape.

Email patriciabunin@sbcglobal.net and follow her on Twitter @patriciabunin