I was taking in a deep breath when I noticed how wonderful the air was.
It was crisp, and light as a pastry.
I was not able to enjoy it for long though. After releasing my breath, I realized where I was. Stranded on a train stop in the middle of nowhere in France.
It was the summer of 2019, and I was studying abroad based in London. I had a free weekend, so I and two other girls decided to go to France.
We wanted to go see the Palace of Versailles, so we bought the tickets and headed to the train station in the early morning.
The train ride was wonderful. We ate croissants, laughed, and were beyond excited to be able to see the famous palace.
Soon the train came to our stop and we headed toward the doors. We waited patiently as an older woman slowly creeped out of the sliding doors. Almost as soon as she stepped on the platform, the doors closed.
My heart jumped as the train lurched forward and I looked to my friends. We missed our stop, and the next stop was 15 minutes away.
My brain began to buzz with worry thinking, “Oh no. We are going to miss the tour and we won’t be able to get into Versailles.” We hastily got off at the next stop, and anxiously waited for the next train to take us back to our original stop.
That is when I took a deep breath in and the air brought clarity to my mind. We were stranded, but we were stranded in France.
How many times do you get to have a moment like this?
My mindset changed and my friends and I decided we were not going to miss this tour. The new train finally arrived and we rushed in the doors.
Not taking any chances, we stood against the doors until we arrived at our stop. As the doors opened the three of us jumped out and sprinted to the tour group.
Running as if our lives depended on it, we looked like the family from Home Alone trying to make it to our flight on time. We arrived right on time, and we all took another deep breath in.
We grabbed a coffee and a croissant and went on our way to enjoy a wonderful day in the French palace.
I always laugh a little when I think about this story.
We were so stressed and for what? We made it to the tour on time and were even able to grab a charming breakfast to go.
Even when everything seems to be going well, life loves to throw a curveball.
You have two options: to run from it or make the best of it.