LIVING
not something most people want to hear from their pilot .)
Sometimes I reminisce about the job while wearing rose colored glasses . It ’ s easy to forget about all the times I wanted to leave aviation to explore more of what I had to offer the world , other than just flying people home for Thanksgiving . I was already feeling constricted playing the role of “ pilot .” I ’ ve outgrown that label , and I can ’ t shove myself back into that box again . The only direction to move is forward — into something greater .
One step at a time .
When I was 17 , my grandmother asked me how I was going to be a pilot and have a family at the same time . I told her I didn ’ t know ; I just knew I would find a way to make it happen . I didn ’ t worry about how I was going to tackle an issue that was years away from being a problem ; I just focused on the “ next ” step I needed to take in my process . Seventeen years later when my first son was born , I found a way to make it work .
Once the twins came along , I decided that being away from home so often didn ’ t work for me anymore . I had too many balls in the air , and the only way to commit fully to my kids and my business was to give up flying . I didn ’ t know what it would look like or how things would work out . I just knew that they would . All I needed to do was trust myself and focus on the next step . And then the next . And then the next .
As a pilot , I used to have my morning coffee while watching the sun rise over the Rockies at 35,000 feet . As the mom of twins , I often walk around the house trying to find my cold cup of coffee and muttering things like “ get out of the pantry ” and “ who pooped ?” On the really tough days , when I barely make it out of my pajamas before my husband gets home from work , I remind myself how invincible I felt at 17 . When I didn ’ t have a plan B . When I knew there was no turning back . When I only focused on the next step I needed to take .
Then when I hear the splish-splash of little hands and maniacal giggles coming from the bathroom , I know I have the skills and perseverance to make it through . One wet step at a time .
Journey on … n
As a motivational storyteller , intuitive coach , former airline pilot , and owner of Pathfinder Healing Arts , Kim Cooper inspires others to face their fears and change their lives . Kim kept her own gifts and talents hidden under a pilot uniform for years , and now encourages women to turn obstacles into opportunities by being ALL of who they are . Stop fearing . Start creating . Journey on … Connect with Kim at BeingKimCooper . com or on Facebook at www . facebook . com / beingkimcooper .