Don't forget to enjoy it!

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in everything that we forget to enjoy it. Whatever "it" may be for the given instance. Since my blog consists of my flying ventures, that's what this post is about.

Today is a beautiful day to fly. I was assigned to a 0700 flight this morning, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But rather than taking in all the beauty and tranquility that comes with rising with the sun, I was stuck. Stuck flying. Sounds silly doesn't it? Well it kinda is, let me explain.

Flying a helicopter isn't easy, you've got to have it all wired together to make that machine do what you want it to do instead of it doing what it wants to do (which could get nasty quick). So there I was on my climb out from KPRC getting a good scan in; MAP pressure, 21", check, no wires or towers to hit, check, 45 KIAS, rotate, pull in that power get your 60 KIAS and look for 300' AGL, trim is good, check, carb temp looking good, check check check check... And in the back of my head, i'm just waiting for my instructor to throw out those words "Simulated Engine Failure" leaving me about .2 seconds from entering an autorotation at any moment. Any how...

I've got a pretty good scan going, the helicopter is flying good, in trim, check gauges, eyes back outside, eyes inside, eyes outside, yada yada. Apparently my instructor noticed my moment of what I will now call "extreme aviation awareness" (ok, I thought it was funny) and just looks over at me and says "Don't forget to enjoy it!" Crap! He's right I thought. I had everything under control, and my skills are improving every day. I'm not saying don't be diligent about your flying, but every now and again you just have to take it all in, and think man... this is the coolest thing I've ever done. To be thankful for that very moment in time, and what it has brought you. The opportunity to take to the sky with the birds, or sit motionless in one spot above it all taking in an amazing view that few people get the chance to really appreciate.

This goes for anything in life. The purpose of why we are here can be debated for years, but if not to enjoy what life has brought you than what's the purpose of it all... Find joy in what you do, always. Flying helicopters around sure makes that part easier. Regardless, there is always something worth taking a second out, and letting it make you smile.

So don't forget to enjoy it.