Yesterday I flew my millionth mile on United Airlines. To be honest, it was a bit anti-climactic. I’m not sure what I expected but it seemed like it was significant somehow, that it marked something. There was no fanfare, no acknowledgement, no upgrade even! But it’s made me a bit reflective.

I told you last time about what my parents did for my 6th birthday – how they put me on a plane with my cousin of the same age, and told me…

We’re doing this so you will have fun…

But mostly, we’re doing it so that if God ever calls you to go far away you won’t be afraid to go.

(Check out this video of courage being nurtured – thanks to my traveling partner Greg – it’s pretty awesome!)

Don’t be afraid.

That is serious advice to a five – about-to-be- six year old. It embodied a lot. It implied that grand adventures were imminent. It suggested that courage would be necessary. It opened up the world to a young girl from a small town in Maine.

So yesterday, when I flew my millionth mile, it caused me to reflect on my stewardship of that experience almost 35 years ago. Am I living with courage? Am I willing to go far away and be authentically present? Am I creating opportunities for others to have experiences that catalyze growing?

If I added up the time I have spent sitting on planes it could be a pretty depressing number.

At the same time, I think of all of the people I have met, the amazing conversations I have had, the stunning honesty and vulnerability I have witnessed and been the beneficiary of…I tweeted last week that often have awesome conversations with perfect strangers on planes. I try not to miss the opportunities of engaging with the amazing humans that end up in my path.

I am different person than I was a million miles ago. I wonder how long it will take me to truly learn to not be afraid, to be courageous, to do what I am made to do without hesitation…

But, I think that I am beginning to live the reality of Charles Handy’s words “To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength.” And for that I’m grateful. We’ll see what the next million miles bring…