The One with the Happy Place (not The One with the Tragedy)

Last night, I wasted yet another sleep thinking about what-ifs and plans in-case. That's regular for all of us at one point or another. It doesn't mean you have regrets, simply means you think constructively (yeah, baby). There was a person, who helped me a lot in this thought process - together discussing and building the concept of the Happy Place. Everybody has a Happy Place - one where you feel safe and comfortable. It is usually home, but there could be other options. 

My Happy Place is airport arrivals. No kidding, but this has been the case for a while (have you seen the first minute of "Love Actually"? Great Heathrow arrivals footage). In the past few years, airports have become an inseparable part of my life (as for most of us). And while I learnt how to sleep on metal chairs, steal wi-fi and check-in at the last minute, I still cannot overcome the fear of flying - it's so... out of control, seriously! But then - the airplane lands, the fear is over and replaced by excitement. After all, every landing means that something new is happening, that life is on the move - whether work, holidays or finally going home. 

Have you ever felt it: you pick up your bag, and go through the huge automatic doors, and to the other side a colourful crowd of people is starring at you. Their eyes are huge and full of curiousity and excitement: they are looking for that someone special in the flow of arriving people. It is a really lonely feeling to know that nobody in this crowd is waiting for you (happens, we simply cannot have dearest and kindest in every city we visit). But there is no better feeling to see the smiling faces of the people you're coming to, this reunion, hugs, smiles, tears, the welcome. 

After all, the world is one big Happy Place - one where a) you never give up on your dreams and values, b) you always do your best, and c) become your own leader and inspiration.

And that's why the events of 24th January 2011 shook my world. My Happy Place - the arrivals gate at the airport where I come to my family was violated. 

That happens. But it still doesn't take away the feeling that Happy Places still meet Happy People.