A Lesson in Calm ✨ Travel Diaries 🌍☀️

September 4, 2017

On my way from Germany to Turkey, my flight had a 23-hour layover in Prague. For me, that was a wonderful opportunity to explore a new country and a new city 😍✨

In the morning, before heading into town, I thought: let’s get a little dressed up for my first meeting with Prague. Since my suitcase was already checked through to Turkey, I stopped by Duty Free. A consultant came to assist me, picked up a foundation I pointed to—and, as it turned out, the cap hadn’t been secured. In one instant, the foundation sprayed out like a fountain, covering her clothes and splashing all over my dress.

Within a second, I saw my dress stained, my phone and watch swimming in foundation 😆, even my sneakers splattered… and to my surprise, I was calm. Truly calm. I still don’t know where that serenity came from.

In the past, I would have been impulsive—angry, upset, complaining, letting my mood ruin the entire day. I would have fought with reality, thinking: this shouldn’t have happened, if only I hadn’t gone into Duty Free. That one moment could have destroyed my excitement for Prague.

But instead, I accepted reality so easily. Not only did it not bother me, I actually felt a quiet pride and joy at my inner calm. Gently, I explained to the consultant that I had been inconvenienced and asked how their company normally handles such situations. She spoke with her manager, and they offered me a product of my choice as compensation 😍. I chose my favorite, Dior’s Pure Poison ✨. Then, I cleaned up as best as I could in the restroom and happily set off to explore the city. And Prague was truly magical 😍☀️🎉

This experience reminded me of what Byron Katie often says:
“At first we’re doing The Work, and then The Work is doing us.”

At the beginning, we practice self-inquiry and inner work consciously. Over time, the results show up in everyday life. Where we once would have reacted with anger, stress, or frustration, we now meet situations with peace and curiosity. With a clear mind that doesn’t argue with reality, the best action always reveals itself. For me, it was calmly asking how they normally handle such cases—and I ended up with my favorite perfume and a joyful day in Prague.

This is the power of The Work and the gift of working on ourselves 😍☀️🌈✨

With love,
Tina 💛☀️✨