We’re all looking for that Goldilocks position in life. That ultimate purpose specifically suited to our own unique talents and values.
Of course, we want to maximise our potential to do the most possible good. This is why many of us have this gnawing sense that the job we’re in isn’t quite right.
We feel like we are meant for something else, something more.
I didn’t pay much attention to my nature during adolescence, that critical life period when we are supposed to decide what we want to do forever and always. I simply did what I was told I should.
Which was anything but the creative subjects I truly loved.
So I took a random collection of other subjects that left me increasingly confused about my future. Then I studied history for reasons I honestly couldn’t tell you, and then I decided to become an airline pilot.
Becoming a pilot was, at least, based on something I was passionate about. Traveling the world. Nothing satisfies my soul more. Still – and this is important – I didn’t become a pilot to fly aeroplanes.
Since the pandemic hit, that’s all I’ve been left with. Ironically, the profession I took up to travel the world is the reason I find myself cut off from it. I can fly, but my wings have been clipped.
In a sense, this has been a blessing. It’s placed a spotlight on the person I am.
And the person I’m not.
I believe this is why so many of us have joined the great resignation. And why many others feel incredibly burnt out.
We settle into a job. We get comfortable with it – we know we can do it and do it well – so we preserve with it even though we know it isn’t quite right. We keep pushing that boulder uphill.
But you can only fight your nature for so long before it catches up with you. At some point, you have to make a choice: You can either take a chance on the person you are or kill the person you are.
If you let that inner spark go out it can be very difficult to find the strength to fly again.
As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I mean to take a chance on the person I am. I mean to honour my inner child in the hope that I may do the most possible good with the gifts I have been given.
To inspire others through creativity.
As I embark on this journey, I want to take you along for the ride. I want to show you how to increase your self-understanding. I want to help you specialise in who you are so you don’t feel out of place anymore.
So that together, we may fly free in the knowledge we are exactly where we are meant to be.
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You can find AP2’s personal blog here at: https://clear-air-turbulence.com
Or on Twitter at: @AnxiousPilot or @PointlessOverT
You can also email him directly at: anxiouspilot2@gmail.com
The great thing about life is we can be many things. Each stage builds on another. Good luck on your Journey and remember there are many things you have learned as a pilot and a traveler that will contribute to your next stage. (At least this is what I discovered.)
I don’t regret my journey at all. It has taught me so much. I’ve no doubt those teachings will help me on my way. I’m simply ready for a change. For the next chapter of my life. Indeed you are right. We can be many things. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it 🙏🙂
Looking forward to seeing what you are up to next. Good luck.
Thanks E – probably a long overdue holiday will be my first move! But we have some water to pass under the bridge before then! Wishing you well 🙏
I like when you say that you mean to honor your inner child. It’s something I would need to think about for myself too.
I believe we all have an innate nature. I believe if we can find that thing that makes our inner child sing – this is the best thing for both ourselves and the world. Wishing you well Cristiana 🙏
You have written the words I so want to write!! Right now, I am persevering – because like you I haven’t paid heed to my true nature – instead, doing what I thought was right, good, and most importantly, what I was expected to do. After far too much life lived that way I find myself a bit lost. I have lost the notion of who I really am and can be and I am fearful there may be nothing else… Thank you for showing me there may be another path. I look forward to seeing you “fly” again.
Thank you Erika. I’ve been preserving for a number of years now. I can feel the pain. I believe we owe to ourselves to see what else the world may have in store for us. I wish you the very best on your journey. Thank you for kind wishes 🙏
I identify with this. I’m searching for more, craving to do more. What more potential is there? How can bring better to those I meet? Like you, I’m ready for change. May we rise to the higher calling on our lives.
Hi Natasha. I suspect we are far from alone. I intend to try and answer those questions over the coming months and years – through both my writing and in life. I wish you the very best on your journey 🙏