12/05/2022
I was speaking with a friend recently about mental health and we came up with an analogy that made us both chuckle (yeah we're weird). Because it's mental health awareness week I thought I'd share it...
Having a brain is like being born a pilot, midflight on a jumbo jet you weren't given any instruction manual or training for, you just have to make it up as you learn to fly!
We quickly learn (and forget) some of the basics common to all aircraft like getting decent sleep, exercise and managing stress levels.
But, the vast majority of the manual has to be figured out by you, the pilot, on this very unique and beautiful plane you're flying. That scary red flashing light that keeps going off when you turn left? You can radio the ground crew to help diagnose it but it's the pilot who has to fix the plane.
You have to write and rewrite the chapters about how to communicate with other planes, what to do if the engines stop turning and how best to fly when you're low on fuel.
Sometimes it can feel like you're flying blind, we all do from time to time but the other aeroplanes are just a radio call away if you need a little guidance and support. Just remember you're flying a jumbo jet without any training through sunshine, rain and thunderstorms, this s*** ain't simple so go easy on yourself! And while you're still flying the plane you're winning!
My aircraft has hit plenty of turbulence and my operating manual now looks more like a kids' colouring book. I've flown through thunderstorms, a couple of lightning strikes and importantly, the most beautiful clear skies. All of it makes us better pilots and the more I learn how to fly, the more I look forward to where this plane of mine will take me next.
What we realised is no one (even the ground crew) has all the answers, other pilots can share pages from their operating manuals, but we're all flying slightly different models of the same plane.
So, sit back and enjoy the flight 🛩 it will be bumpy (sometimes) but the view from up here is just amazing so, don't forget to look out the window from time to time.
