I had a recent experience that brought me back to Earth….The following events all took place the same day
I was traveling to visit close family that I barely see twice a year lately. Thrilled to go home, the day of travel didn’t stand out to me. Looking back however, I realized something:
- I was late to the airport because I lost my parking ticket to exit a garage (within 10 min of having it)…and ended up paying three times the amount I expected to that morning
- I lost my headphones…paid $30 to buy a new pair even though I put them in an accessible spot!
- I wasn’t able to get my TSA Pre-Check and ran late through the security line
- Because I was running late I couldn’t grab breakfast…
- I tried to board the incorrect connecting flight because it was to the SAME destination at nearly the same time….
- My transportation of gifts to my family didn’t pan out…thus we weren’t able to celebrate christmas early…
and yet none of this phased me! I was so stoked to go home that throughout the entire experience, I kept a huge smile on my face and couldn’t help but feel anxious to see my family and the ocean once again. Any other day it might have been off-putting and perhaps even disgruntling. But I realized that because I was so excited about going home, all these events failed to compare with the deeper desires I felt inside. I felt blessed that I made it to the airport on time! I was excited that I found a loophole through the ticketing system and was able to buy myself out of a pickle- Sure I didn’t need the extra headphones but I kept the receipt because I knew I’d put them somewhere safe, and I wasn’t concerned about the presents because they just didn’t matter.
They say life is 25% what happens to you, and 75% how you deal with it….I truly am beginning to understand that now. When we are confident in ourselves, we are less riled by hurts of others trying to offend us, as my ex recently displayed over the holiday. When we are sad, depressing moments tend to span a lifetime and we wonder when it will end, yet when we are happy, time seemingly fly’s by. How could this be? Is our perception of life really so predetermined based on our moods or our outlooks? Could we train our minds to be grateful in every moment just to be alive?
That’s why I’ve stayed in aviation for the past year. I never thought I’d find a hobby or passion that made me feel as alive and happy inside as when I’m alone in nature- until aviation. Flying helicopters and studying a brand new world brings me back to the now. Neither here nor there, neither future nor past- I’m just living and flying and free to make human decisions regardless of my race, sex or religion.
I think we forget that critical thinking is equal opportunity in and of itself. I hope that you, whomever and wherever you are, understands how precious it is to be alive in the infinite moment- where time ceases to exist and you simply are your best self.
Check out Global Air’s Blog to see their perspective on current events in the aviation world!
AERO~PARKS 