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| Storm approaching the anchorage, Lake Sylvia |
As most of you know by now, I have begun my training to become
a commercial pilot. I’ve surrendered my
dock space on the river, and am living peacefully at anchor in Lake Sylvia.
In this new pursuit, I have met with a mild degree of
opposition, not unlike that which I faced when I stated my intention to sail
from Nova Scotia to Cuba all those years ago. This time, it’s much easier to
shrug my shoulders at those people who say that it cannot, or should not, be
done, and thank them for getting out of the way while I do it anyway. Another similarity to my Cuba trip is the presence of my
cheerleaders too, of whom I am grateful for.
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| 4500 feet over Lake Okeechobee |
Sylvia Plath once said that perhaps when we find ourselves wanting
everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing. We all
owe it to ourselves to pursue what inspires us, despite our age, or other
circumstances that might initially suggest our desires are an unwise investment
of time or resources. Following your
bliss is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
You may not be the youngest, the most talented, or the most
successful, but if you’re doing what inspires you, you will find yourself
fulfilled. You cannot know ahead of time
the opportunities that will arise when you start down a new road. You might not
be considered ‘ahead of the game’, but the time will still pass, no matter how
we chose to spend it, so why ever hesitate to do something that excites you,
and that you feel passionate about?
Life, unlike flying, only gives us one go-around.