Every time I see a plane overhead or sit at an airport watching one lift off, I say a little prayer or make a wish for everyone on board.  I whisper to the plane “Have a good, safe flight.”

I like doing this. Partly because I’d very much like someone to be sending those same good thoughts toward my plane. But mostly because you never know what is happening inside that little metal tube flying through the sky.

Maybe someone is nervous and gripping the armrest. Maybe someone is jubilant, heading off on the adventure of a lifetime. Maybe someone is going home. Maybe someone is leaving home. Maybe someone is starting a new job, ending a relationship, visiting someone they love or quietly beginning an entirely new chapter.

Yesterday, at Dublin Airport, heading home, I found myself doing it more than usual. I watched planes take off and thought about all those lives, hopes, worries and stories heading in different directions.

It costs me nothing to put a little good energy into the universe for strangers.

And, frankly, I’m hoping the universe keeps a little of that good energy in reserve for me when it’s my turn to take off.

More to come on my recent wonderful trip.