Adjusting To Rough Air

“Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land... it's a bit cold outside and if you walk on the wings it affects the flight pattern.” - Unknown

We reach points in life where we are cruising in a smooth free way. The movement being made creates a perfect flow of air across our wings. The thrust of our engine propels us towards our destination in a care free manner. We relax and unbuckle our seat belt and move about.

All the while forgetting turbulence is an unexpected moment away.

As we cruise, a perfect blend of air speed, air flow and altitude control keep us comfortable. Then all of a sudden an unexpected pocket of air disrupts the calm. The plane dips to the left or shudders in a disturbing fashion. You catch yourself by grabbing the edge of a seat.

A passing moment, nothing to worry about.

The seat belt warning light comes on indicating rough air is now expected. We should return to our seat but the last one was not so bad. We decide to remain standing. No reason to prepare, you can handle it. Then it happens, rough air begins to shake and rattle your movement.

Life just took a turn and the seat belt seems miles away.

Your first reaction is to find safety with the seat belt. You scramble to it while the plane knocks you left and right. The whole world seems to have gone into disarray. A bump on the head from hitting the overhead compartment adds to the confusion.

We reach the seat belt and strap ourselves in for a bumpy ride. The seat belt gives us a chance to evaluate the situation, to calm down and gather ourselves. We look out the window and see thunderstorm clouds around us. The thought of getting through them seems impossible.

Once we understand the obstacle, we understand what needs to be done.

It might be to fly higher to get over the rough air. It could mean changing direction to fly around the rough air. In either case, the straight and smooth path we were on is no longer viable.

Change has to occur in response to changing conditions we encounter.

We go through life encountering much of this unexpected turbulence. It catches us off guard when we least want it to. But we have to gather ourselves together and work to understand the circumstances.

Now we are able to make a decision on how best to proceed.

The safety of a seat belt has only a short term calming effect. Something needs to change. The straight and calm path you were on may not always exist. Be prepared to change your course and then keep moving.

The ride will smooth out and your destination will come into view.

Stay inspired my friends.

Rough Waters

Shores of Peru, South America

"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."
- Rabindranath Tagore

Rough waters will keep many from getting too close.

The danger that lurks beneath the surface which is unknown.

Could that danger really exist or do you look beyond the swirling waters to see where the calm water lay?

The same can be said of troubles seen within our own life. You only look at the immediate issue and see the turbulent water of anguish. But it works to your advantage if you try to understand that beyond an immediate problem, a solution will surface.

That is where look for all possibility, looking beyond the usual, beyond your self-imposed limitations.

It is said, "as we sail thru life, don't avoid rough waters, sail on because calm waters won't make a skillful sailor." We learn from what we experience and to believe in oneself is one of the important skills you will strengthen. Trust in your ability to see it through, taking small steps, trying different methods, changing yourself and your condition.

You will pass through the rough waters with new opportunity to rebuild. And the next time you come upon distress, you will be better prepared to move through it. As many of you have come to realize, life is about adjustments. It is setting a goal and understanding that you do not control all that happens in life. So when you encounter an obstacle, you will have better foresight to see it coming.

You won't necessarily avoid it, but you will be better prepared for it.

Believe in yourself, believe in your goals and enjoy the waters of life. And of course, stay inspired my friends.