Wings To Fly

Usually, the inspiration for my blog posts stems from the notion that if I am experiencing certain thoughts or emotions others may be too. However, this particular idea was sparked by sheer curiosity. While I know we all are unique and have our own special gifts to offer, there are some of us who are wired differently and wear wings. Trust me, it's true.

Wings To Fly represent a spirit within those of us who approach life through a different lens. They are individuals who hold spontaneity close to their hearts, are fearless beyond measure, selfless beyond words, and experience pure joy when wind fills up their wings. And yes, they have children, mortgages, aches and pains, and a multitude of responsibilities. And yet...they live with a sense of freedom. A freedom that guides their souls and directs their paths.

Michele O. proudly displays her wings, as does Clancy M. and Brenda I. My brother, Hugh, also possesses wings. Although his wings have not been used recently, they are always at the ready. So, what exactly am I referring to?

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"To be spontaneous requires having an open-mind and a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. “A 'fixed mindset' person shies away from challenges, possibly from fear of failure, and may go into hiding as a way to avoid responsibilities,” says Tchiki Davis, Ph. D." "In contrast, the ‘growth mindset’ person finds challenges to be exciting and engaging, knowing that they will learn something valuable from their experiences."

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Michele O., is my gal pal who I lovingly refer to as my "crazy" friend, If I am lucky, we get together a few times a year with phone calls sprinkled in. When I call, I never know where she is in the world. Not that her job sends her places. Those days are over. Recently I called and she sounded busy. Of course she is. She was scrambling to catch a flight to the Caribbean because she could. A month before, she was on the Isle of Mujeres. During Covid, yes Covid...when the world was shut down, Michele wasn't. She was busy traveling the world as a courier delivering stem cells for patients in dire need. She didn't worry about her own safety, her family did that for her. She was too busy making a difference...I could go on about "my crazy full of life friend" ... just know her energy is off the charts and her spirit never rests.

Clancy Mc. is my friend who is like reading a very well written book you can't put down. She was born and raised Queens, and has lived in New York City’s West Village for years. We met for the first time on a crisp fall day over a cup of coffee in a mid-town Manhattan. She shared she was hoping to teach one last year of English Literature at a charter school in Harlem. Afterwards she had BIG plans...plans which found her both excited and scared shitless. Clancy was about to embark on a year long solo journey in her "new to her" RV wandering roads far and near in hopes of decompressing after years of teaching. Inspired by her experience, she has recently published her latest book, Wanderjahr: a meander though life. Like Michele, Clancy's spirit is infectious and those who find themselves lucky enough to be in her orbit feel the flutter of her wings.

Brenda I. was undoubtedly born with wings. A few years back, we had a chance encounter while strolling through downtown Staunton, Virginia. Brenda is akin to a delectable serving of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream. Much like when you only bought a pint, you want to relish each and every spoonful and make it last as long as possible. She radiates joy and light from within her soul, and when she breathes out, it washes over those around her. Her book, Stories in the Ink: Personal Tattoo Stories & Local Coffee Culture, is a collection of some of her experiences she has had while enjoying espressos at local cafes both near and far. With her husband of five decades, they are about to embark on a journey to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, really? Who visits there..much less move there? They do. While most of us would freeze like a deer in headlights with the mere thought of it, they are busy packing their bags. Vince will be leading the media department at the university, and Brenda will be fully embracing their new community. So, what inspires this woman? Perhaps her favorite quote provides a clue, "The shortest distance between two people is a story!" While I am uncertain when or where our paths will cross again, I have a knowingness they will. It is akin to the hope you have when craving your favorite ice cream, hoping some grocery store, somewhere, will have it in stock waiting patiently... for you.

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Let us raise our hands and hearts in admiration. Let's greet those individuals who soar effortlessly to destinations and adventures we only imagine. Let us show our gratitude with a thankful heart. As they spread their wings, they bring light and love into our lives and inspire us to live fully and without fear.