Bravery does not describe me. I’m too imperfect for that.
Learning to fly, twelve years ago when in my forties, was a dream to follow, not a dream feared. My biggest flying fear—my biggest dragon—was fearing that I would not be perfect enough at it. The next biggest dragon: my impatience to be perfect at it.
All the other dragons I met head-on: bad weather, failed alternator, failed avionics, lost directions. How? Flying taught me there is poetry in the skies, but there would be a price to pay: To touch the sky would be to prepare like I had never prepared for anything before.
And still, I was not, nor may ever be, perfect at it. Sometimes, when impatient, my landings are too hard, a reminder that I’m still fighting that one.
Do you have a dream? Begin it NOW. Show up for it. And begin to tame your dragons. We all have them. Don’t let yours feast on your dreams.
It’s heaven up there, an imperfect heaven that accepts an imperfect pilot. I’m so happy that I didn’t quit. It’s too good to miss. Exalting. Redefining. Infinite. Don’t miss out on yours.
Know your dragons, both kinds: the ones to beat, and the ones to keep: Beat the ones that keep you grounded: attitudes, opinions of others, false interpretations, waiting for a feeling of boldness.
Keep the ones that keep you on your toes: know the risks and take the healthy ones—but there will be some, always; keep fear contained, but never think you are fearless; and work like crazy for it.
Whatever your airplane is — fly it.