When I was 9 or 10, I remember looking up at the blue sky on a perfectly clear day and seeing what looked like writing of sorts..
"Those are skywriters", my mom said.
"Skywriters?", I asked. "What are they writing?"
"They wait for the skies to be clear, and then take their planes up and make designs or messages", my mom said.
This concept stood with me for almost 40 years until we were in Paso a few weeks ago.
"Look at all the skywriters", I said on a particular blue morning.
My best friend, who is an accomplished pilot, looked over at me during our morning coffee.
"What's a skywriter?"
As the conversation continued, he laughed and told me that those were contrails formed by planes.
I was initially confused because some go up and down, and he told me that was an illusion based on where they were actually landing or taking off from.
Mind blown.
And it's still blown..because my entire life I thought something different..and the rest of our Paso Posse seemed to know the truth as well, and this became a source of fodder over wine during our time together.
What have you learned recently that changed how you used to think?
Perhaps you found out you were adopted.
Maybe someone you know has secretly battled depression, sexual orientation, or unknown struggles.
Or maybe a spouse, friend, cousin, or work buddy isn't who they said they were.
How will you handle it?
Live your life by the NSL rule.
Never Stop Learning.
If you approach these life experiences as learning moments instead of reasons to play the victim, you can be better than you were yesterday.
I now have the ability to teach mild airplane terminology to my kids.
Mike will do the rest.
As I continue to learn about things that I actually question, I realize I can grow everyday in all different ways.
When I was 13 and nary a father figure around, I questioned how to put a roof on our house..and so I read a book and did it.. and it lasted over 30 years.
I questioned how to make wine in 2019, and now I'm on my 3rd vintage.
I questioned how to finish a basement in 2018, and with the help of my friend, we now have some new living space.
And last week, I questioned how to make Neapolitan dough for my homemade pizza, and Steph said it was better than the place I used to buy it from. She also doesn't blow smoke..ever
Never Stop Learning.
Some lessons will be tough. Some will make you embarrassed. Some will make you cry and question lifelong relationships..
Do it anyway...
You're never too old and it's never too late. Learning keeps you living.
Such a clear blue sky today..I swear this skywriter is making the Illuminati sign.
All my best as you figure out life and the relationships in it.
XOXO Glenn