I love it when things go well.

I was flying from San Diego to Indianapolis today when we were informed by our pilot that one of the engines of the plane was overheating. (One of the airline employees said it was on fire!) We quickly diverted to LAX, where we were met by a host of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. It was quite a show.

While sitting on the tarmac waiting for our instructions, I struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger named Mark. He seemed like a really nice, positive guy. As the conversation progressed, he informed me that he was not only going through a divorce (he and his ex have 3 kids), but that minutes before he got on the plane he was informed that his entire division was laid off.

Family. Job. Gone.

What I really enjoyed about our conversation, albeit short, was Mark’s positive outlook on the future. While admitting that his life was in a tough place, (he wasn’t delusional), he seemed genuinely ready to confront whatever hurdles he’d be facing with determination and a smile.

It struck me….clichés are clichés because they’re true, and the cliché that life is 90% attitude never seemed more real to me.

Thanks for the attitude adjustment, Mark.