Unexpected Delays: Why “Waiting” Is a Preparedness Skill -- in Travel and in Life

If there’s one universal truth about travel and weather, it’s this:

things don’t always move on our timeline.

Flights get delayed. Storm systems stall. Roads close. Plans shift without warning.

And yet, the world around us keeps moving — often in ways we can’t control.

As a meteorologist and travel preparedness expert, I spend a lot of time helping people anticipate the unexpected. We pack the right gear, plan alternate routes, monitor storms, and stay flexible. But recently, I’ve been reminded of something even more important:

Preparedness isn’t just about action — it’s also about patience.

Waiting can feel uncomfortable, even powerless.

But in reality, it’s one of the most underrated skills we can cultivate.

On Sunday, I was connecting through Atlanta's Jackson-Hartsfield International Airport from New Orleans. Earlier that day, a ground stop was issued due to dense fog at ATL, rippling delays throughout the airport. Due to weather conditions, planes had to be de-iced, adding to delay times. Long lines were long everywhere, and the terminal was packed with frustrated travelers. Every update was another reminder that no matter how ready I was to move forward, I had no choice but to wait.

And in that moment, I had to practice the very thing I teach: stay calm, stay prepared, and let the situation unfold.

Whether we’re waiting for a weather window to open…

waiting for a flight to finally board…

or waiting for clarity in a part of our life that feels uncertain…

there’s strength in stepping back and letting things unfold.

Weather teaches us this constantly.

A nor’easter doesn’t rush because you’re ready to leave the house.

A snowstorm doesn’t speed up because you’re impatient.

A winter cold front doesn’t clear out faster just because the holidays are coming.

We learn to prepare, then pause.

To stay observant, not reactive.

To trust that movement will come again — and when it does, we’ll be ready.

In travel, patience keeps us safer.

In life, patience keeps us grounded.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is take a breath, step out of the turbulence, and let the atmosphere settle — inside and out.

So if you find yourself in a season of “waiting” — in travel or in life — remember this:

Stillness isn’t a setback; it’s part of preparedness.

Silence isn’t a void; it’s data.

And a pause doesn’t mean nothing is happening — it often means things are shifting in ways we can’t see yet.

Hold steady.

Stay ready.

And trust that what’s meant to move forward usually does — sometimes in a different way or on a different route than we expected.

Because the best journeys, both on the road and in our lives, rarely follow a perfect timetable… but somehow, they always manage to arrive right when they should.

— Cheryl Nelson

Meteorologist | Travel Preparedness Expert

PrepareWithCher.com