Parachute

A good friend recently turned me on to the story of Captain Charles Plumb, a US Navy fighter pilot who served during the Vietnam War.  Capt. Plumb was shot down in enemy territory while flying on a covert mission and was forced to parachute out in mid-air as his plane disintegrated around him.  He landed unharmed but was immediately captured by the enemy and spent six years in a POW camp.  After his release, Plumb spent many years as a motivational speaker, drawing on lessons from his time in captivity.  But his biggest lesson came 20 years later when a stranger in a restaurant rushed out of the crowd to shake his hand.

“Are you fighter pilot Charles Plumb?”

“Yes.  How on earth did you know that?” asked Plumb.

“I was the one who packed your parachute! I guess it worked!”

Plumb was dumbfounded.  He drew a number of lessons from his time in captivity but never once considered the enormity and simplicity of the fact that his parachute actually worked properly.  Not only that, but it was someone’s job to pack it with care and that someone had saved life.  Now, 20 years later, that someone was standing right in front of him!

What a great lesson for the resilient worker!  How many people in our everyday lives carefully pack our parachute so we can succeed?  At work, our boss may run interference for us to make sure we are protected from the intra-office politics.  The office manager may diligently order the supplies and handle the invoicing so the managers can focus on growth.  In our personal lives, one spouse may take care of the children or other household duties so the other can focus on bringing home the income.  Parents are constantly doing little things for their children to keep them safe and on the right path.   These little things often go unnoticed and unacknowledged.  How often do we thank the people who pack our parachutes?  How often do we tell them that we simply could not make it without them?  Sir Edmund Hillary had Tenzing Norgay.  Alexander Graham Bell had Thomas Watson.  Johnny Cash had June Carter.  We all have people in our lives that care for us in little ways and allow us to be successful.  Let them know they have made a difference in your life.  No one makes it to the top of the mountain alone.

At the same time, we are never alone when we fall on hard times.   We may feel no one is in our corner and we are taking on the world by ourselves.  But if you want to lead a resilient life, you have to recognize that there are people who will never leave your side.  Your inner circle, whether in the office or in your personal life, will still be there for you ready to pack your parachute.  They will help you through the crisis and allow you to take on your next great challenge.  Just as no one can succeed alone, no one can get through these difficult times alone.  Do not be afraid to ask for help and support.  The people who love you will not judge.   The world wants you to be happy and succeed.  You just need to recognize and appreciate those people who care enough to get you back on that winning path.

I have woven a parachute out of everything broken.–William Stafford

Whether we realize it or not, we are all walking around with parachutes.  Our inner circle, who has packed them, hopes we will never need to use them.   But we will.  And that is okay.  We all get shot down at some point.  We all have to bail on tough situations.  We all face adversity and loss.  But isn’t it comforting to know that someone really cares?  Isn’t it comforting to know that your parachute will always deploy if you recognize and appreciate the little things that people do for you?  Isn’t it comforting to know that you can return the love and support to someone else?  Stay positive!  Be resilient!  Embrace all that life has to offer and do not be afraid to fail.  You will land softly.  Your parachute has been packed with care.

Until next week, keep smiling!