I was recently on a plane that was delayed. No big surprise for anyone who travels often. However, we sat on the plane at the departing gate for about 30 minutes because we waiting on a maintenance person to bring some tape to fix a tray table. Seriously. We could not leave because they needed tape. The man seated next to me, along with two people across the isle from us, remarks how he is surprised no one has tape on the plane in the first place. He says, "Even the Apollo 13 had duct tape on board." This led to a man across the isle remarking, "Everyone should always have duct tape around."
While the story itself is kind of amusing, it made me think. We should all have duct tape around all the time. I think this is true literally and metaphorically. Obviously, duct tape wins for being able to fix virtually anything and for its ability to sturdily hold together most things. Yet recent events have made me realize how important keeping a tool around to fix life's little issue can be.
Think of all the little "fixes" duct tape can do, and all the times you have probably used it or maybe wished you had some around. Now think about all the little daily and even bigger life "brakes" that happen. If you are not prepared with some tape in your back pocket, they can get out of hand and almost seem unfixable.
Duct tape could be a number of things we use frequently: a sand timer to help you take a few deep breaths, a favorite song, a go-to quote, a friend that listens, any little fix that helps you hold the situation together. I think we all have them. We just need to be sure we identify them, know where they are, and how to use them. That way you don't have to wait 30 minutes for the maintenance person to show up.
