There’s not a better venue for people watching than an airport. Atlanta, Denver, Seattle—even smaller regional hubs like Charlotte or Norfolk are perfect perches for observers of fashion, random acts of kindness (or otherwise), emotional reunions and departures, and people on the move—always people on the move. Observing the way travelers make their way through a crowded airport is more than an interesting pastime. It is a lesson in human nature, and has revealed as many lessons about myself as it has about others.

I’ve learned that given a moving sidewalk, I choose to walk at a brisk pace instead of standing still and letting it carry me like a twig adrift to the other side. I walk so fast I create a breeze. I also walk up and down escalators, taking advantage of the efficiency and time saved.

On a recent trip, I became annoyed by a woman who was standing squarely in the middle of the conveyor, bags at her feet, waiting for the other side to come to her and blocking my passage. I had plenty of time to make my gate, where I would have another hour to wait before boarding my flight home. Why did I care? What does this say about me? About those who stand still?

It says this. We are all moving from one place to another, and must travel at our own speed, in our own time, in our own style, compassionately. For all I knew, the woman blocking my way on the moving sidewalk had stopped because of pain or fatigue–and she had every right to do so. Impatience and low tolerance are easy to carry with us, but can be as cumbersome as another piece of luggage. So I’ve resolved to travel lighter on my next outing, whether it is on a plane or to the grocery store, carrying compassion instead. It weighs nothing–but goes a long, long way.