Have you ever heard the story about Charles Plumb? He was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. His plane was blown up by a missile. Fortunately he ejected himself out of the plane just in time and landed safely using his parachute. Many years later
he happened by chance to meet the man that packed his parachute. Plumb was so full of gratitude for this man. If it wasn’t for him Charles Plumb wouldn’t have lived. He now lectures around the country asking people “who’s packing your parachute?” It’s an interesting question. One I’ve been thinking about a lot over the last couple weeks. Who are the people in your life that help you through each day? Do you pay attention to them? Are you aware who your support system is? Do you take time to thank them?
Who’s packing your parachute?
For me there are so many who have packed my parachute and continue to do so. There are the obvious people like my husband, kids, mother, father, close friends, and extended family. But there’s also my hairdresser that I visit monthly and makes me feel pretty, and the dedicated, kind woman who cleans my house. There are the wonderful women in my Mindful Living group that support and empower me. There’s my neighbors that look out for me and my family. And this may sound silly but the wonderful employees at my favorite grocery store Wegmans who always help me find the most ripe, delicious produce. Recently, there are acquaintances that are helping me to find speaking venues and ways to market my book.
Who’s packing your parachute?
When I look back through my life I had many helpful parachute packers all along the way: my 2nd and 6th grade teachers who inspired me to be my best self, my boss and mentor in the government, my work friend who introduced me to my love of spirituality, my amazing baby sitter turned friend who took care of my kids when they were babies. There was my first yoga teacher who introduced me to a lifelong love of the practice, my spiritual teacher who inspired me to become a life coach. My parachute packers included all of the people cheering at the races I used to run that inspired me to keep going, and my massage therapist that worked the kinks out of my neck.
Who’s packing your parachute?
Don’t let your life go by without thanking the people who have made and currently make a difference in your life. You wouldn’t be who you are today or where you are today without the people who packed your parachute.
In Love and Light,
Hilary
