I love airplanes for the same reason other people fear them. That fear of course, is of one falling, of crashing, of plummeting down from the sky. Ultimately, that fear is of death.
Now, before you assume I’m completely insane, let me explain myself.
I believe that your attitude towards flying is a reflection of your overall attitude toward life and death. Why? Because being so vulnerable, up in the air, forces you to consider the fact that now could be your time to face the unavoidable truth of death.
Some people choose to ignore it. They distract themselves with music, movies, games: anything to tune out reality. Similarly, they spend their lives in the same manner, burying the harsh or uncomfortable truths of life deep down.
Some people allow the fear to consume them, and spend the duration of the flight ridden with anxiety, whether it's well concealed, blatantly expressed, or just a nagging thought in the back of their heads every time the plane hits some turbulence. Similarly, they may have the same reaction when confronted with the "turbulence" of life, letting fear control how they deal with it.
And there are the others, those who view being 5000 feet up in the air as a precious reminder.
It is a reminder to readjust our perspective on life.
It is a reminder to stop taking all we are blessed to have for granted.
It is a reminder to fully recognize and appreciate just how amazing and crazy this life can be.
It is a reminder that at any moment, that life can end.
Our lives are unpredictable, and the way the end is, as well. And although that's scary to think about, you can let this reminder change your life for the better.
Step back and see life for just how beautiful it really is.
Stop drowning yourself with distractions.
Take a break from constantly worrying over the little things.
Use it as motivation to truly live in the present, and be proactive about making the most that you can out of each day.
And that is why I absolutely love flying. Being on an airplane has truly changed the way I think about life itself, and it has made me more accepting of death. But above all, I use the reminders that being in the sky gives me to grow as a person and change how I live in a positive way.
