Rubina Rob arrived in Montgenevre, France this week. Her luggage didn’t. She had come for a continuing education program being conducted by Mountivation for British attorneys. The program blends in-class presentations on developing professional expertise with on-course ski instruction. Intended as a program that would blend content applicable to business, sport and life, it would demand more than one change of clothes.
When I met Rubina in the lobby of the Hotel Le Chateau Blanc, she was obviously distressed. She was here for three days, and what was she to do? How could the airline lose her luggage on a direct flight from London, England to Turin, Italy? What would she do if they could not find the luggage? After expressing her frustration and fear for a few minutes, she looked at me and asked, “What am I to do?” “Well, is there any benefit to worrying about things you cannot control?” “What do you mean?” she asked. “You’re luggage is not here. Other than calling the airline to let them know you are missing it, and where they are to bring it once they find it, is there anything else you can do about your luggage?” She thought for a moment and said, “No. Not a thing.” “Ok then, what can you do? What do you have control over?” “Well,” she said, “I can see if there is anywhere I can find some clothes, and other things I might need.” And she did.
I saw her later than evening. Still no luggage – but her demeanor was very different. She was tuned to make the best of her time here in Montgenevre – luggage or no luggage. She was now focused on the things she could do: a) call the airline regularly to get updates on the luggage, b) borrowing warm clothes for skiing, c) buying snow boots with the funds the airline approved for temporary clothing, and d) discovering activities and people here in Montgenevre that would leave lasting and pleasant memories. She told me with a smile, “I’m focused on what I can control, I’ve let go of what I can’t and I remind the airlines regularly that I’d like my luggage.”
I was pleased for Rubina. But I was also saddened by thoughts of people I’ve known who have been consumed by things they cannot control. We all are, from time to time. But when we learn, like Rubina did, to let go of what we have no influence over, take charge of things we can control, and, as the old prayer says “have the wisdom to know the difference,” our chances of success and satisfaction are far greater.
On the afternoon of her third day in France, Rubina’s luggage arrived. She just sat down next to me as I am finishing this blog. She is dressed in fresh clothes and a large smile. Years from now, she will retell this story – a story of losing luggage, taking control and a happy ending.
