It seems these days most airline passengers would rather fly through a beautiful day with the windows shut than let a little sunshine into their lives.
Flight after flight, I observe passengers keeping their shades down from takeoff to landing. To watch a movie? Work on a laptop? Scroll through a smartphone? Catch up on sleep?
Somewhere along the way, travelers decided that flying during daylight hours should resemble spending time in a windowless basement.
Apparently, sunshine has become an unwelcome travel companion.
I’m a window-seat guy. My shade stays up because I want to see the sunrises, coastlines, clouds, mountains and the world unfolding below. At 35,000 feet, it’s one of the few opportunities you have to gain perspective - literally.
There’s a practical, and seemingly more important, benefit as well. Daylight exposure supports mood, healthy sleep-wake cycles and overall well-being. Why automatically shut out something that may do you good?
If I could make an in-flight announcement, it wouldn’t be about seat belts. I’d cue the Beatles’ “Good Day Sunshine” or The 5th Dimension’s “Let The Sunshine In.” Perhaps a little musical
intervention would brighten the cabin.
But this extends beyond air travel. How often have you shut out things that could enrich your life because screens, routines or familiar comforts have captured your attention?
This week, try something simple: open the blinds, step outside, put your phone down and look up. If you’re in a window seat, consider lifting the shade.
You might discover that the world beyond your screen is pretty spectacular.
Sometimes, a brighter outlook begins with a simple decision: let the sunshine in.
Own the day. Own the weekend.
Carl