Speaker Catherine D. Fyok had looked forward to an evening with her husband when her flight was canceled. Then, she remembered how I handled a canceled flight by responding to negative news with the exclamation "Fantastic!" and shared it with another passenger. In unison they said, "Fantastic." It became their "password" every time they received "challenging" news ("Wait in this line," "All other flights are full," etc.). She said they soon became nearly slaphappy, but results were fantastic as they laughed at what might have been some stressful moments.

They finally did get in the right line and told their "fantastic" story to the representative who got them on another flight. When they left to enjoy the free meal offered by the airline representative, they discovered he had provided both of them with $100 vouchers good on future travel, and they guessed the vouchers were not likely given to every customer. They believed that their good nature sparked the good nature in another.

But there's more. While waiting for their flight, Cathy met a woman who had just been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment each week in Boston, returning home weekends. She talked about her five children at home, and the two women talked about the things they loved. As she left, she thanked Cathy for being her companion.

She met her second new friend who was returning to her childhood home for the funeral of her grandfather. They helped each other through the long wait by holding a place in line, making phone calls for each other, etc. When they finally arrived home, Cathy gave her a ride to her family's home.

Cathy discovered the joy of serving and helping others by brightening the day for two interesting and wonderful women. Her evening truly was FANTASTIC, and she really does have something to smile about, doesn't she? So will you, if you'll take the "Fantastic" approach when difficulties arise.

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free e-mail newsletter through [email protected].