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.

Rising Above Ourself

"Compassion brings us to a stop, and for a moment we rise above ourselves." - Mason Cooley

Each of us have witnessed on television devastating images of disasters which get reported in detail. Weather, wars, crime, accidents and all manners of natural occurrences that catch our attention. These calamities not only wreak havoc on property, they also impact peoples lives.

Take for instance the Japanese earthquake back in 2011, a large scale tsunami wreaked widespread death and destruction.

Were you moved to compassion for those people affected?

The Wednesday before this natural disaster, I was flying through Tokyo on my way home. During my four hour layover, I learned I had just missed the rumblings of an early morning earthquake. Little did I or anyone sitting around me know what was about to happen.

Yet our hearts will fill with compassion when others are hurt.

Compassion not only extends to great disasters, but can be an everyday piece of your heart. There are people all around you in need. Some more then others and some with just a little need to get them through the day.

This does not mean we have to live with hourly pain and misery upon our mind. There are those who make it their living to help others in need daily. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Compassion International and hundreds of other great organizations dedicated to helping those in need.

We can rise above ourselves and allow compassion to flow from us.

Together we can do great things, but if we start small by starting with our self simply by having compassion where its needed. We may not be able to solve many of the world's problems individually.

Starting as one, will eventually find you among others doing great things.

Stay inspired my friends.

Closer Than You Think

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly." ― Langston Hughes

You are well through the year, many months removed from New Year resolutions.

Is hope for accomplishment still strong or fading from your mind?
Is the hope of achieving your dreams fresh and strong within your heart?

Keep hold of hope, keep your dream alive.

Overcome the obstacles and discouragement along your path.
Never give up, never stop trying.

Let the negative be a reason to succeed in spite of it.

Your attitude will determine what success or failure looks like.
Remain positive throughout the adventure.

Stay inspired my friends.

Field Of Flowers - Not Weeds

"Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power." - Shirley MacLaine

All of us have asked in conversation how someone is doing. The answer you get in return many times becomes a litany of all the troubles that particular person is experiencing. You listen intently and offer words of advice or consolation. Eventually you begin to feel a bit down yourself.

Negativity in conversation can pull you into a depressing mood.

The feeling of a great day you were having begins to fade away.

It can be eye opening to know how powerful negative thoughts have upon you and the people it surrounds. It feeds upon itself and grows stronger the more you embrace the negative. And strangely, people will believe more in the strength of negativity then in the power of being positive. Being negative is a much easier road to take.

Being positive is like watching a slow developing flower.

Life gains strength the more you nurture a positive attitude.

Negative attitudes are like quick growing weeds, taking over a field in rapid advancement. Great attitudes have to be tended to and the weeds of negativity pulled away. Eventually, you find great things in your life which outweigh any of the bad. Walking through a field of flowers and not weeds is a better life to live.

Stay inspired my friends.