Fortune Cookie Friday: Successful Flights
The basic principle of flying requires two things: lift and thrust. Don’t confuse this with the “swish and flick” movement required for the levitation spell, Harry Potter had to learn at Hogwarts. In order to perform that, you also need a magic wand (matched to you), you have to say the magic words: Wingardium Leviosa (correctly), and you need to be a fictional character, living in a world where magic exists.
So, what are lift and thrust? Well, lift is the force that directly opposes the weight of an object and holds the object in the air. Both birds and planes use lift to fly, and the shape of the wings generates the lift. The wing’s shape forces the air passing over the top to travel a longer distance than the bottom, and so it has to speed up as it goes over the top of the wing. This creates a difference in pressure above and below the wing.
In order to get the air to move over the wing, you need to move the wing. This movement is called thrust. Birds perform this by flapping their wings with strong breast muscles. Planes use engines.
OK, enough of the science lesson, how does this relate to you and this fortune? What does it mean to fly? Well, it’s doing, and succeeding. Everyone enjoys success, but in order to attain it, you must move forward.
The painter, Leonardo da Vinci, was fascinated by the phenomenon of flight. He even designed multiple flying machines. Da Vinci said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Success is just like that. The best part is that this flying could come in many forms.
Flying could be your first day of school, be it kindergarten, high school, or college. It could be that first day at a new job, especially your first job. Flying might be making new friends, or asking someone out on a date. It could even be starting a new day, or getting through a tough one.
Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.- Leonardo da Vinci
When it comes to success, most want to soar like an eagle. Getting off the ground can be easy. You just have to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, it might take a leap of faith. That leap, that forward motion, is your thrust.
While you are striving for success, you will want to stay afloat. You need that lift. This comes from a positive attitude, hope, or the support from others, anything to give you that wind beneath your wings.
There will be those times when you crash and burn. They can be tough, but you will pull through. If you are going to hit the ground, try to make sure you land on your feet. Start with some preflight checks. Planning can be very handy.
Map your course. Know what you want out of your venture and the direction you will take. Are you working hard to get a promotion? Are you planning a party and want everyone to have a good time? Set your goal and work positively towards it.
Check your instruments. You need to know your limitations. You don’t want to be too far out of your element. Like Icarus, you might find yourself unprepared for the flight.
Lastly, have some decent landing gear. If things start to go south, find a safe place to land with a Plan B, so you won’t hit the ground too hard. You might only have to adjust the flaps or redirect to a closer destination. You can always get a connecting flight later on.
When in doubt, travel with a buddy. A supportive friend as your copilot can make the flight safer and more fun. Remember, time flies when you’re having fun. It’s OK to sit back and enjoy the ride.
