Growth happens when we least expect it, in the small moments when nothing appears to be happening. It’s in those very moments that we are changing our outcomes, expanding our personal minimums.
The recent trip back to Chicago was good to see friends and family but brought up how I had previously dealt with problems (focus on work until they didn’t hurt anymore) didn’t really work. Yes, I was driven, and that dovetailed with my need to put aside personal needs to get the job done caused more harm than good.
And only looking back have I realized how I am the person today because of the circumstances and situations I lived through. The good and the bad that life throws at each of us either kills us or makes us stronger.
When I worked at the air ambulance, the Bonanza was hangared at the same airport, a short walk away from my desk. It seemed like a great idea to get a bit of fun flying in after a day at the office but did not happen often as I would have liked.
On the days it did happen, I was more than happy to challenge myself with short field landings; landing on the runway numbers and turning off at the next taxiway. Hearing my colleagues coming in or heading out on frequency was a bonus.
Several of my colleagues acted as mentors and study buddies as I went for my multi-engine and commercial ratings.
I will never forget their support and encouragement as I moved out of my comfort zone.
Today I am watching Rosie do the same in the maintenance field, gaining experience under supportive and watchful eyes toward her maintenance certifications on antique and vintage aircraft.
Like pilots, women in the maintenance field are the minority, under 3% of the certificated population.
In many ways, Rosie’s aviation journey began like aviation itself; the first maintenance personnel were seamstresses sewing fabric, a necessary component of the first aircraft.
Rosie followed that same mold as she had experience sewing and came into the restoration shop when one of her daughters, Phoenix, who was there as part of a class, mentioned they needed help with fabric work.
While she began with fabric skills, now prevalent in antique and restoration circles more so than the aviation population, Rosie has expanded into structural and mechanical realms echoing her chosen moniker of Rosie the Riveter.
Her husband surprised her with silicone rings she wears while working in lieu of her wedding ring as a safety matter. She has mentioned smiling on seeing that band and her painted nails glistening in engine oil.
Yes, there is still room to grow and expand our horizons; this is nowhere near where either of us started.
We make our future with the moments of today; wonder what tomorrow holds?
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