A Perspective from Above

For those of you who don't know, I manage a corporate fitness center here in Washington State in Federal Way which is about 20 miles south of Seattle. The company I work for has been going through a major transition in downsizing that results in people losing their jobs, getting laid off or going into early retirement.

In the last year or so, I've seen lots of good people and friends of mine leave the company. Well, today is the last day of work for another good friend of mine. Despite the fact that he's leaving, he sent an email to everyone he knew to say 'thank you' and for being grateful to have worked at a wonderful place.

What I want to share with all of you is a part of his email that we can probably all relate to -- regardless of what type of situation we are dealing with. We need to look beyond what's in front of us and visualize what lays ahead. Here's his email:

"When I was in high school, I spent a lot of time at the local airport and loved aviation. I often bummed rides in small aircraft and even took a family vacation or two in a rented airplane. Therefore, it was a special treat for me when I had the opportunity to fly in all of our corporate jets, the King Air prop plane, and even the helicopter!

On one of my business trips on the corporate jet, I remember it was an early damp gray morning - fairly dark and gloomy. I think my mood at the time must have been about the same as the weather outside. However, I jumped at the opportunity to ride in the jump seat between the pilots when they asked if anyone wanted to fly up front with them! I was probably the only one on the plane that was glad our flight was a long cross-country trip. The plane took off like a rocket! We soon leveled off and were above the clouds in no time. I could not believe how sunny it was above the clouds. I realized that we were still near the airport where we had departed, only now my perspective had changed. Instead of looking at the gray clouds – I looked down on the bright white clouds – and the sky overhead was clear blue! The only thing different was my perspective.

I think too often we can fall into the trap of looking at the bottom of the clouds and dwell too much on the grayness of the day – we need look beyond the clouds and remember that even on the gray days it is always sunny above the clouds!"

Just remember, determination, patience and courage are the only things needed to improve any situation.

Dave, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors as well as continued success in all that you do. You will be missed! Take care my good friend!

-AR