Is it too Early for a Cocktail?

Over the past weekend, I discovered a new level of whispering. I have never spoken so softly than when asking if “a little before 8 A.M.” was too early for a cocktail.  

I was asking this question at a random airport bar as I awaited my flight to my Alma Mater. I was headed to the university to speak on a panel for accepted students who identified as African American. I was truly honored that I made so much of an impact at my Alma Mater that they saw fit to fly me back to campus and speak on a panel for an event where even our University president was speaking.  

I found myself whispering this question to the bartender because I needed something to calm my nerves. I am like many people that have a little bit of anxiety when flying. My sweet heart of  fiancé offered to fly with me — but I knew I needed to face this anxiety on my own.

This same anxiety almost made me not want to accept this wonderful offer. When I was first presented this opportunity I was blown away and wanted to accept instantly but my anxiety started to kick in and I took six weeks to respond. My response went in a day before the decision was due. I also didn’t schedule my flight or hotel room until a month after my initial decision to accept the offer.  

I truly looked for every reason not to accept this amazing offer. As the day approached I kept getting inclement weather notifications, I secretly hoped it would delay my flight to the point of causing me to miss the event. Missing the flight due to weather would help me to trick myself into thinking that I put in a solid effort into going. Unfortunately, the one time I needed O’hare to delay a flight, my flight left on time.  

As I found myself gulping this drink down to calm my nerves, it started to hit me how big of an accomplishment this invite was for a girl from the West side of Chicago. I was the girl that almost failed out after her first semester but turned things around to end up on the Dean’s list the next semester. I’ve always worked my butt off for any accomplishment but this was a perfect example of hard work paying off.  

As you would expect, the flight was extremely bumpy and I talked the ear off the person next to me. One thing I can say is: I made it. I endured the anxiety, the delayed flight coming back, the numerous FaceTime calls to my fiancé, and I was able to see so many great friends during that trip. I don’t think this experience has changed how I view flying but it has assured me that I cannot pass up on an opportunity to conquer a fear– or pass up on an opportunity for a drink before 8 A.M.

xoxo

– Shay