The anticipation of a trip is a bit of an adrenalin rush – excitement of new adventures, imagining the sites and making new memories.  I typically face three phases of the travel roller coaster.  First accomplishment is getting out the door – vacation wardrobe is chosen, the luggage is packed and dishes are clean and put away.  Why is it, I suddenly need to make certain the house is ready for a random visitor?  Deep cleaning the night before departure adds pressure to the already tight schedule.  I breathe a sigh of relief as I finally lock the front door.

Once that first hurdle is cleared, the next gut-wrenching anxiety is arriving at the airport.  Anticipating traffic, parking timing and shuttle efficiency is like choosing a winning lotto combination.  Good Luck! 

That last travel obstacle?  (Inset ominous music) Navigating security!  Why is something that is in place to make us feel safe triggers fear as if we are being led to the inquisition?  It is enough to make a God-fearing, respectable, woman of integrity, dread being found guilty.  Of what?  Carrying more than a 3-ounce tube of toothpaste or having suspicious looking snacks discovered in the lowest depths of my carry-on?  As I’m waiting to meet TSA face-to-face, the room suddenly begins to feel stifling and the automatic mental inventory of my bag begins, second guessing my own judgement of trip necessities.

When we make good choices and plans, why is it when faced with authority, we waver rather than stepping forward in confidence?  When does that disconnect happen?  We’ve thought each step through, we’ve followed the guidelines and yet the doubt of right choices still manages to creep in. Doubt can become the enemy of our simplest actions. Insecurities, self-criticism and fear of failure are the catalysts.  When we’re confronted by authority all those little voices in our head become louder and our assurance dwindles in the midst of the noise. 

What do we need to stop the doubt?  Optimism and trusting in the process are great qualities to practice.  Whether in the security line at the airport, a job interview or any of life’s pressure-cooker moments, these two characteristics can give us the composure to move forward in confidence.  When facing authority – if we have taken the time to prepare and adhere to the guidelines – it’s time to put on the happy face and remind ourselves that the rules are in place for our safety. One of my favorite lines was from the movie, Madagascar – “Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.”  For me, my smile is connected to my self-confidence.  I think smiling also springboards relaxing. Tension fades as the happy message reaches my face. Walking in confidence while smiling, I can embrace the journey.

Does doubt creep in when you approach the TSA line?  How do you overcome the heart-racing uncertainty?