As I write this e-zine, I am flying the friendly skies, headed for parts unknown. Having done this more than a few times, you would think flying would get old, but for me, it doesn't. I'm not saying that travel is all wine and roses, but there are experiences to be had and sights to be seen that can't be had any other way.

You have your daily commute and I have mine. They are likely very similar, just at different altitudes. We also likely spend them in similar pursuits, thinking about the day ahead and the ever growing to do list. Throughout my travels, I have learned a few things that I thought I might share... Will you indulge me?

Baggage fees serve an important purpose. Admittedly, these fees are likely a cash grab by monopolistic industry, but it does serve as a behavior modifier... It encourages people to pack less and travel lighter. On planes and in our lives, unnecessary baggage weighs heavy upon on and weighs us down. Perhaps if our professions and lives had fees associated with the burden of baggage, we would carry less of it and be more nimble.

Loyalty matters. Frequent fliers know that loyalty to an airline is EVERYTHING. Frankly, it's less about the good days and more about having someone on your side during the bad ones. The perks of a good seat or boarding the plane first pale in comparison to the benefit of having someone on your side when a flight is cancelled and you are trying to get home. As I said, loyalty yields the greatest gain on the worst of days. Think about that next time you are in your principal's office with an upset parent.

The seat is less important than the person sitting in it. First Class, Business Class, Economy Plus, and Advantage Select are all ways that the various airlines indicate the most desirable seats. For me, it is less about legroom (I require very little) and location, than it is about than the person I am placed with. On more than one occasion, I have laughed my way through the skies engrossed in conversation sitting in a middle seat. I have also been trapped with an upgrade next to a "first class a$$." The quality of the trip is not dependent upon the seat but the person sitting in it. Sometimes the best of people can make the worst of circumstances more bearable, so when possible, choose your travel companions wisely.

It has been said that, "The lesson will continue to present itself until the student truly learns it." In this way, I am still the student. I struggle with these things as much as anyone. I, too, am working to carry less baggage, be more loyal, and surround myself with the best people possible. Perhaps you might be interested in joining me as my travel companion. After all, I am working to surround myself with nothing but the best.

There is more to share, but I have another plane to board, and another lesson to be learned.

Have a GREAT week and good luck in all of your performances this week!