As I reflect on an amazing winter break in Uganda, I can now chuckle about my “Curious Case of Discarded Passports, and How I Got New Ones” story, which saved the day and holiday. Problem-solving was critical, and even in the face of wonderment, freezing wasn’t an option.
In February, as we celebrate Black History Month and honor the resilience and creativity of those who paved the way for us, I’m reminded of the importance of resourcefulness in our own lives. I now vaguely remember having a fall cleaning session of emptying my closets. However, right before Thanksgiving, it was my sister who asked if I’d gotten our travel visas, which sparked me to look for my passport, along with my sons’ travel documents. Once I realized they were nowhere to be found, I sprung into action because we had a flight to catch on December 20, 2024, period.
Humans make mistakes and problems always arise. Learn how to be a problem solver and let your children see you problem solve. Our world could use more problem solvers, especially during these times!
Below are a few lessons I learned that are hopefully applicable in your life.
- Focus on the solution, not the problem! Focusing on the problem will keep you stuck. I didn’t have time to answer the question, “How did you lose three passports?” So, instead I called the passport office and other offices to get concrete next steps. No phone tree or customer service hold was too great. I also told my sons I’d take them out of school for a passport-related appointment by any means necessary.
- Language is important! Even when things looked grim externally and we still didn’t have a passport appointment in December, I would firmly state to anyone who asked, “We fly out December 20. We’ll be away through the new year and back in action in January.” Maintaining this posture not only kept me encouraged, but it helped me keep chipping away at the long list of action items and next steps.
- Keep moving forward! When a problem arises, the easiest thing to do feels like hiding under the covers, canceling your meetings or just rocking on the floor in child’s pose, but that might only make you feel better for five minutes. While I did give myself some time for a pity party, I kept appointments on the books and was even interviewed on someone’s podcast the day after I realized our passports were gone!
Enjoy this video of my boys and me sailing on the Nile River!
It’s interesting to see what happens and what you’re capable of when you embrace the beauty and the mess!
