There was a spider in the shower, our flights got delayed, we had traffic on the way, it was humid.

Why do we expect everything to be perfect when historically it never has been?

A few years ago, I told my 2 nieces and 1 nephew that when they turn 16, I would take them on a week-long trip wherever they wanted to go. I don't have any children, and I see it as my duty to educate my brother's kids about the world, and all the wonders within it, and I thought a trip would be a fun way to get to know them, and show them a new side of the planet!

Last September, Gemma, the oldest turned 16, and it was time to plan our trip. She wanted warm, relaxing, a little outdoor adventure, and to swim in the ocean. We decided that Spring Break in Costa Rica was the plan.

I have traveled extensively, and know the perils that travel can bring. Delayed flights, lost luggage, it's all simply part of the deal!

And as I was on the phone with United Airlines at 3am on the morning we were supposed to depart, planning around the 6 hour delay of our initial flight (that led to the cascading challenges with the other 2 flights) I was reminded that this was something that happened a lot.

Things often do not go perfectly and we all know this, (because...history!) and yet we're always surprised when they don't! (and frustrated and angry and whiney and complainey and stompy and...you get the picture!) The weather isn't what we hoped. The flight is delayed. FedEx doesn't deliver that thing we ordered at the last minute.

Stuff doesn't go well, and we get our pants in a twist and all that does is ruin our own day, and often the day of those around us! (and give you an atomic wedgie!) but it doesn't change the reality of the situation.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where the plan didn't play out perfectly...

• remind yourself that this is actually normal! Why are you surprised?
• remind yourself to accept the reality of the thing and start getting creative about possible solutions. Get into action because action shrivels anxiety! (and frustration and stomping and...all that!)
• ...and if you can't do anything about it (example flight delay) or you've done all you can, get busy doing something else rather than sitting and hrumphing and glaring at the gate agent (or other innocent target of glaring).