Pink Skies

Flight attendants will warn you when opening the overhead bins, because shifts happen. During the course of  a flight the first shift is during take off, where you soar high, later on landing at your destination. In flight, you may encounter turbulence noticing subtle or abrupt changes in pitch or altitude. If you’re an experienced traveler you won’t be disturbed by the subtle changes, and maybe a little annoyed at the more moderate ones, if long lasting. As far as severe turbulence, after sixteen years of working as a flight attendant I have only experienced it once, and it lasted less than a second. 

How often do we experience “turbulence” in our lives and are shaken to our core. We fear the changes, we fear falling from the sky. How often do we buckle our seat belts and just enjoy the view? 

One of the most mesmerizing views I have ever witnessed was a lightning storm through a plane window. We were at a safe distance and I sat quietly in the stillness of the night, in complete awe. Out of all the places I have visited, this view is a core memory. I don’t remember where I began or  where I ended up, but I do remember, vividly, the cloud formation, the lightning, the emotion of witnessing something grandeur. 

Change, shift, if we let it, can be just that, Grandeur. Change has the ability to alter the course of our lives. Change can undoubtedly be scary, we can fear the unknown, new beginnings, loss and the discomfort it brings. But what would our lives be like, without take offs, landings and the occasional few bumps?

I had thought I had experienced severe turbulence in my life, the truth is I didn’t have my seat belt on. What was moderate and troubling was only a failed mechanism on my part. I hadn’t done the work necessary to absorb the impact of the changes, the ones experienced through external factors and those that are on a personal, emotional awareness level. When we are not prepared, even the smallest of changes can seem as we’re falling into an abyss. Trusting the process, knowing the pilot is in command, accepting the longest flight of our lives and the fact that there will be turbulence is a sure way to witnessing the majestic views. It’s not meant to be easy, there will be those left behind, you too at times will be left behind. One thing is certain, undoubtedly there will be new beginnings, and most certainly, pink skies.