My wife and I recently flew back from a trip in Michigan with our two young children. Our daughter is five-years old, and our son is a wiggly two-years old. Anyone who has traveled with their own young kids can relate to the not-always relaxing feeling this experience brings.

Well, despite having two wonderful flying children, our youngest son decided to make this flight interesting. He threw things, he screamed, he kicked the seat in front of him, he rolled on the ground, he cried, he taunted his mom, he taunted me - it was one of those flights where I felt other passengers thinking, "Those poor parents!" Or, "Those awful parents!"

At the end of the flight, when we could finally stand (and find some sanity), two young girls (probably 8 & 9) sitting behind my wife and son shared this nugget of helpful feedback, "Boy, your son was really annoying...but at least he is cute."

Kids, they say the darndest things!

My wife and I both bit our tongues, and as unappreciative we were of their comments - they were kind of on to something.

Mainly "...at least he is cute!"

Here were two girls with perspective! Sure, they endured his shenanigans for over 2 hours - and in the end - they found some silver lining to walk away with (thank God he is cute).

Once in our car, we still had a 3 hour drive home (need a new travel agent) - and I had time to reflect on the flight. By all means, it would of been very easy for my wife and I to bemoan what an awful trip we just experienced - but we really didn't. In fact, looking back I was able to express gratitude for the fact that the flight was on time, our seats were together, we got all of our luggage, and that it was over ;)

Seriously though, I was grateful that despite my son's behavior being a nightmare - it was over! Whatever bee got in his bonnet was gone. There was no need for me to keep seeing him that way and reliving the experience - so I freed him from that experience by forgiving him. Since he was able to get his normal self back - there was no reason for me to attach any unnecessary negativity. That was baggage neither of us needed.

if you think about this example in a bigger picture - there is a lot of freedom we can give ourselves and others by letting whatever happened go. And not just forgiving, but actually being able to look back at negative experiences and express gratitude for the good that was present as well.

We tend to remember experiences in black and white terms. Something was either good - or bad. But often, there are usually elements of both - but what we choose to remember and focus on becomes the memory we create for ourself.

I challenge all of you - to this week try to find the good in any experience that leaves a negative taste in your mouth. Maybe it's the poor service you get at the store, or a rude co-worker, or an impatient spouse (my wife can relate) - and try to then think back, let go of the negative, and then acknowledge something from the same experience to be grateful for.

If you notice anything interesting - let me know!

Read more from this blogger at Travis Inc.  

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