Who Am I?

Identity

"An independent view of how I see and perceive myself,

is all that I need - to become whoever
and whatever I want to be."

Eleesha, Author of Soul Whisperer

 

 

Who Am I and What do I Want?

As children we awaken to the life of possibility. Fearless—we conquer our world. Exploring by sticking everything in our mouth, and sticking sharp objects in those little holes in the walls. We learn to crawl, walk and run. But something happens along the way. Those big people in our life, that have kept us safe, now want to keep us from their mistakes. They point us in a direction that they think would be best, what they wished they had done in their lives. They tell us who we should be, and we lose our way. We lose our voice.

 

Successful people know who they are.

Pilots know know who they are, and where they are going.

If you don’t have a passion, pick something. Anything. It really doesn’t matter what it is, because as you travel on your journey the wind will change. The weather may go below minimums, and you may have to go to your alternate. Pilots know there will be a time they must change their course to get to their destination. They learn and grow, and sometimes into someone they never knew they could be.

Successful people travel through life with confidence when they know who they are, where they are going, and why.

Successful people do not lock into one plan. They remain flexible to change. But first they must know themselves. A captain knows who she is, and what she wants.   

Define yourself today.

Know yourself and what drives you... what brings you joy. With this knowledge you can accomplish anything, because passion will be natural and focus will be easy. If you don’t know, make it up. Invent yourself. If you don’t like who you are—re-invent yourself. This is your one and only life. Do it right.

During your journey to success you will grow, and sometimes into a different person than you thought you were. Make an introduction and start anew. Nothing in life stays the same, and you might not either.

Success comes from knowing who you are and what fuels your passion, giving you direction. 

 

Who are you?

Be the captain of your life,

and know thyself

XO Karlene 

Monday Motivation: Focus

Focus  

“Focus on where you want to go,  

Not on the fear of failure
or the runway left behind.” 

 Karlene

Focus: The Power Within 

Successful people bathe in the power of focus. They grasp the challenges of life and use them to their benefit. They focus on the picture the 3000 pieces will create after they solve the puzzle. Not on the difficulty. They have the ability to thread their mind through the eye of a needle and sew their life together in a tapestry of perfection. Pilots know that each test they face is one that will strengthen their wings enabling them to soar higher.

Challenges—Nobody is exempt from a rainy day.

A successful person knows where to focus. Pilots know how to fly in the rain. They use the water to grow and nurture their life and talents. They have the wisdom to know that the rain will not last forever, and they use this time to regroup, rebuild, and strengthen their wings. They do not focus on the pain of getting wet and being locked inside, nor do they complain the rain will never end. Successful people know it will. Pilots wait out the rainy days while they study for their instrument rating. If the storm lasts a little longer than they had hoped, they are ready to fly through the cloudy days.

 

Shift the Focus—change your state.

Successful people know that all a blue day needs is a splash of red to turn it purple. Pilots look forward to the blue days, knowing they are far and few between. Successful people know that whatever is bothering them, they can change their feelings by shifting their focus. They can turn sadness into joy. If pilots have a bad day they take off and leave their problems behind.

 

Shift your focus to anything other than what plagues you. 

Sing, paint, run, read, and get out of your mind. Pilots know how to leave their problems on the ground. They know how to navigate the weather. They know how to spread their wings and fly, even on the darkest days. They also have the wisdom to wait out the greatest storms, because they do not last forever. 

 

Focus on the solution, not on the problem.

Successful people do not see problems—they see challenges with solutions. A challenge provides opportunities to learn and grow. Pilots know that problems drown a person in negativity, but a challenge teaches them how to fly.

When a pilot loses an engine, they do not focus on the failure. They focus on how to restart their engine, and where to land. Pilots focus on the solution, not the problem.

Worry—The antichrist to Focus.

Worrying about what has happened before, prevents success of the future. A pilot never focuses on the runway left behind. A successful person lives in the now, and focuses on the present. That is why they call it a gift. 

Single-minded focus—The key to Success.

Successful people know that the only reason they will fail is by allowing their mind to drift to someplace other than the task at hand. Pilots possess the technical skills to fly their plane despite what happens en-route. They know how to focus on the task. If they experience something new, they focus on how to handle the experience and create a solution, not on the fear of the unknown.

If a pilot’s mind wanders to what if I don't succeed, instead of flying the plane, they have just taken their focus from where they want to go, to fear. Pilots do not fly in fear. They fly in confidence with decisive direction.

Be the Captain of your Life 

Focus on the success you deserve,

And achieve it.  

Monday Motivation: Attitude

"You can't do anything about the wind.

You can't do anything about the weather.

But you can adjust the attitude of your plane."

I can't take credit for the photo... and not sure who sent it to me, but this shows the power of vortices.  

Last week I was on a flight home, 80 miles out of Seattle, and a rumble began like moderate turbulence. And then our 737 rolled about 40-45 degrees left, then back to the right about 20, and then left about 10, before the wings leveled. A plane had flown overheard and tried to flip us.

Can pilots be scared on a plane? 

Yes, when they are passengers and have no control.

I arrived home from Hawaii around midnight last night. Photos from the trip were non-existent because my camera wouldn't talk to my computer. That shall be solved later in the week. This morning, I'm on my way to Oklahoma City for some NextGen testing.

How do I manage this busy and full life? One day at a time, and with a great Attitude. We have the control of our Attitude in a plane and on the ground. 

When it's bad... Fix it!

What do you do to adjust your Attitude?

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

The Power of Action

Through Action, we can accomplish anything. 

One step at a time. One flight at a time. 

One of the secrets of success is the power of doing. We are all faced with challenges in life. But one one flight at a time can fill a logbook. Melissa Huffman, last weeks Friday Flyer, has motivated me and many others with her enthusiasm, and willingness to do what it takes to make her dreams come true. We can all learn from her example. 

She applied for the Gift Of Flight Scholarship (Deadline December 31st) And we all wish her the best of luck. If you want to help scholarships like this, while spreading good cheer click HERE to send your Holiday Cards. 

 
Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Family and the Holidays

"I realize that not all families are perfect 

and that mine was certainly not one of them. 

But herein lies the importance of 

what my life experiences were meant to be. 

For it is through imperfection that I have also 

discovered the meaning of perfection. 

In which, I can only aspire; 

to ensure some semblance of which – 

I will be able to provide for a family, of my own." 

~ Eleesha

December is in full roar. Mine started out with a surprise trip to Amsterdam followed by babysitting, and sleepovers with the grand-children. The making of Gingerbread men, decorating the tree, Christmas movies, popcorn, stories and bubble baths all surpassed the need to sleep. And tomorrow is Santa Express. Amazing what the year has brought. 

 

But when I think of family, I have to thank Eleesha for this quote. Because not all families are perfect. But through this imperfection we can laugh, cry, hope, and grow up to create the lives and families we want for ourselves.

The holidays are a time that will be filled with much emotion. Thousands of airline people will be flying and away from their families. Some will fly to avoid pain and emptiness at home. Others have no choice and will celebrate early. But there will be many first time holidays spent alone.

Despite your circumstances, make a choice to start today and celebrate the entire month. Christmas doesn't need to be just one day a year. Find little moments in your life to bring a smile to someone's face, and joy to their heart. This is the essence of holiday spirit. Enjoy all the moments that you can create.

What are you doing special to celebrate this month?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: Courage

"Discover The Power 

Within Yourself"

I am never surprised at the power of humanity, strength, and courage when times are tough and we are thrown into circumstances beyond our control. There is an inner strength that comes out in time of crisis. People jump in an react.

What does amaze me is the power of people who discover the power within themselves, during times of the day to day grind. They find the strength to save themselves.

Despite a good paying, stable job with benefits... something is missing. I was discussing this very thing with my friend a couple weeks ago. He reminded me of all the people who were able to break free from their jobs...went on to achieve great success.

 Heather McCorkle

This discussion came up because I had just learned that my friend, Heather McCorkle, had broke free from her prison. Literally. Heather worked in a prison. Despite the security of the job, there were many challenges that ate her soul daily. So much that she felt imprisoned by a life she no longer wanted to be part of. So many people survive this way. We make excuses as to why we can't quit to follow our dreams. But the truth is, we can.

Heather is a loving, generous and kind person who is an author of fantasy. She had dreamed of one day quitting her job to focus on her writing. Her Channeler Series is amazing.  My niece couldn't put theses books down. Heather gives to endangered species with each book purchased from the Channeler series. She formed a company, Compass Press where she helps authors bring their books to life. She also designs covers, and ran a contest to win a free cover last weekend.

Working a full time job, and pursing her passion had been a challenge. There were so many reasons she stayed, and one reason she was able to leave. Courage. 

She quit her job! This is a huge deal on so many levels. Giving up security to follow your dreams is scary. I am so proud of Heather and all that she has accomplished. I met her when this was all just a dream. Now it's a reality.

Please take a moment to congratulate this young lady, and wish her the success she deserves. And if you know any young adult readers, her Channeler Series will make a great Christmas gift.

Is there something you wish you had the courage to change? Remember, this is your one and only life. Will you lay on your death-bed wishing you would have... or glad you did?

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Ruth Morlas

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Ruth Morales

Ruth Morlas is a young woman making a difference in aviation. Her story is unique, and perfect for the day after Thanksgiving because she has taken it upon herself to give back to the profession that she loves. 
 

I met Ruth at a Fly-It-Forward event when she came to share her time and experience with our young ladies at two different events. She was ground support for our helicopter on the first. And during the rained out event, she took the time to talk to the kids and teach them about the plane in a walk-around demonstration.

Ruth tells me that she had “always wanted to be a pilot.” But there is more to the aviator than meets the eye. When I asked her about her passion of flying she said…

“Even more than just flying, I was always interested in HOW airplanes worked, so before learning to fly, I first wanted to learn all about the theory of flight.  After high school I went to the University of Virginia for an Aerospace Engineering degree.  Then, I went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to learn to fly.” 

She and her family had arrived in the United States in 1987 from Ecuador, and Ruth did not know anyone with ties to aviation. In essence she was navigating a course all her own. Nothing in this life is easy, and there are always lessons learned. Ruth would like to share a few of hers.

“I didn't have much guidance on what to do, so I think I made some mistakes that cost me extra time and money.  For instance, I really didn't have to go to ERAU since I already had a college degree. I wasn't aware that you could just go to an FBO and learn to fly. I also didn't know about the different flight academies that are options to aspiring pilots.  I didn't even know about the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) until after I became a CFI.  I have used CAP to build up flight time, to network, and to help other young aspiring pilots.”

 

Ruth currently works for Boeing as a Systems Operator, but hopes to become a test pilot soon. But she has also created a website in her efforts to give back.

“Boeing has been a great company in terms of opportunities for those who show passion, dedication, and technical skills. Through my website, I hope to give people the three things that you need to succeed in aviation - information, inspiration, and a little bit of financial help through scholarships.”

Ruth knows how beneficial some information and guidance would have helped her. Her website, Pilot Tricks, will help anyone who wants to learn to fly whether it be as a professional pilot or for recreational purposes. She’s got some great articles that will help if you have the desire to learn to fly.

And she is hosting a scholarship for one lucky person with the desire to fly to help them through their solo. She needs your help, and in the processes you will be entered to win an iPad mini!

This scholarship is open to both men and women. Check out the website and see what it takes to enter. And for those giving souls this holiday season, please feel free to donate to the future of an aviator. 

Ruth, you are an amazing woman. Thank you for all you do for our industry and the future of our pilots.

Enjoy the Journey, and be safe this Black Friday

While you are shopping the internet for sales, please check out what Ruth is doing by clicking here to visit Pilot Tricks. Learn how to apply for the scholarship, and give of your heart in sponsorship.

XO Karlene

Happy Thanksgiving

I find it hard to express the overwhelming gratitude I have for my life and the people in it. I glance back over the years and the many challenges I have faced, and I find myself being grateful for them. Life always turns out the way it should. Even in the darkest of nights, day still came. Sometimes with rain, and other times with sunshine. But the color of the sky was what I made of it. 

 

This year has brought many new people into my life, and taken others away. But with each shift in the universe a memory was made, and I am thankful that I touched a life, and someone has touched mine.

We are all connected. And through this connection let us feel the gratitude of what we can be together. With friends and family there is nothing we cannot do, and nothing we cannot be. We are the wind beneath each others wings, and for that I am thankful. Because you are my wind, and you give me strength daily.

Today find a moment to be grateful for not only what you have in your life and all the good things, but also for all the troubles and challenges that you, too, have survived to grow into the person you are, or want to become. Take a moment to toast those that are no longer with you, and those that are sitting at the table beside you. They are all part of who you are. Present and Past.

My day will be spent with my daughters, my son-in-laws, all the grandkids and my husband. There were a few moments this year, we didn't think this day would be possible. My kitchen is functional and big enough for us all to be in together and fit a tree. We are starting a new tradition of the kids decorating the Thanksmas tree in the kitchen while the adults cook. Granted the eldest of the grandkids is four, but we will have an awesome looking tree. 

Yes, we have a Thanksmas tree because my youngest daughter and her family won't be with us on Christmas. And Friday will be the photo shoot of the little elves. 

What are you doing special today? Remember... you don't have to 'do' to make the day special, you just have 'be.' 

Happy Thanksgiving to the most precious person on earth... You! And I hope no matter what has befallen before you, or you fear for the future, that you live in this moment and know that everything is right with the universe because you are here. You get to write this chapter of your life. Enjoy, and make it everything you want it to be. 

XO Karlene

Book Party In New York City!

Monday Motivation: 

"The power of a future provides more than hope, 

it's the fuel to keep you going." 

We all need something to look forward to. A reason to wake up. Something that can keep us motivated and going forward. A new type-rating, a job, a birth, publishing your book, a wedding, a date, graduation, starting school. Some people think looking forward is living beyond the moment. But the power of having something to look forward to, brings power to the moment. It creates energy, joy, and an reason to wake up. 

Jeremy Carlisle is giving us all something to look forward to in November.

 

Flight For Control in New York! 

I will be joining Jeremy Carlisle in New York City on Saturday night, November, 10th, 2012, and we want you to join us. 

 

Jeremy won a contest many months ago and received five copies of Flight For Control, and a book club visit. What impressed me about Jeremy, among so many other things, was his careful selection of whom he wanted to give the books to. He is truly someone who gives from the heart. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend like Jeremy. And someone will get to meet him. 

Jeremy is running a contest, open to the public for one lucky winner and a guest to Join us at this special event. I will be flying in on the 9th. Party on the 10th. I'll travel out on the 11th.

Invitation from Jeremy: 

Saturday nights in NYC tend to be very crowded and I know that not all 8+ million of you do not have a copy of this literary masterpiece. And there is more on the way!

Here is what you need to do to enter in a drawing to win a place at this event:

• Schedule to be in New York City on the weekend of November 10th, 2012

 

• Purchase a copy, or if you wish to increase your chances of winning, copies, of Flight For Control via Paypal through her website.  The purchase area is located on the left hand area of her main page.

• Must include the hashtag #JeremySentMe in the comments area or let Karlene know that we sent you. This is how we enter you in the drawing.

• Log on to www.captainaboard.com and click "follow" on the right hand side as we will be announcing the winner on this site on November 1st. 

Please spread the word. 

Select "share on Twitter" above, 

share on your facebook, tell your friends. 

I hope to see you in New York City!

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Impressive Aviation Photos

Today is The History of Tomorrow

Thank you Andrea, and the Northwest Ninety-Nines

for these great photos!

Flight For Control Trivia:

What significant event occurred today, October 4th, 

in Flight For Control?

Life is a Journey...

Enjoy!

XO Karlene

Monday Motivation: Today is Your Day

 "Today is your day to live by doing what you want. "

Last month my husband took his first trip to Europe, at the age of 71. We'd planned many things in our lives, but work, schedules, kids, money, time... etc., always got in the way. You name it, we made an excuse for it. Were they valid excuses? Absolutely. But... 

Validity does not equal reality. 

The reality was, we could have. 

Today's reality is... we are. 

My dear friend An said, "she knows there is nothing she can't do." She just wishes she came to this conclusion earlier in her life. This is my message to you:

There is no time like the present, just do it.

Last night I spent the evening with extended family. My sisters were talking about Disneyland. One sister said her kids had never been because "they couldn't afford it." This has been the theme of her life... "I can't afford." But the reality is, she could have afforded it if she wanted to. Now the problem is time and scheduling as the kids are growing and going off to college. The real problem has never been money for her, the real reason was the power her excuses gave to not doing something.

We give our excuses too much power. 

Take that power back.

What excuse are you making? Is it easier to be a victim of life and say "I can't because..."

Wake up and Smell the Coffee in another country. 

This is your life. You can do anything. 

What do you want to do today? 

Write a book? Take a trip? Learn to fly? 

Go back to school?

Remember to enjoy the journey. It may be the only one you have. 

XO Karlene

News Flash: 

First Draft of Flight For Safety is complete at 109,135 words, 75 chapters, 396 pages. But all those details will change as the edits begin.

Monday Motivation: Forgiveness

"With forgiveness, I take the first step
towards letting go of all things
that no longer serve ~ any purpose."

Eleesha

It's human nature to place blame for our feelings of angst, frustration, and disappointment in others because they didn't behave as we expected. Placing blame enables us to make our feelings of discomfort the fault of someone else, instead of owning those feelings. We can focus on something tangible... like being angry at them for their ruining our lives!

With the holidays ~ and the approaching new year ~ come expectations of what we think life should be - the families and life we wish we had. The Norman Rockwell Christmas that should have been. The goals we didn't meet. The dreams that didn't manifest. It's so much easier to make all that the fault of someone else.

People do impact our lives. They make decisions and do things that we don't believe were in our best interest. Recently I had an electrician pull a scam on my office wiring, causing me thousands of dollars. I'm not rolling over, but I'm also not living into the anger and allowing him to ruin my day. I know that there is a lesson to be learned here, and I'm listening.

To give anyone else power by being angry at them, is enabling them to control your life. I choose to be in control. I choose not to allow my mind not to focus on the negative of what other people do, or don't do. I don't have enough time or energy. There is only one way to live a healthy life: Forgiveness.

Forgive those people that haunt your brain. Let go of the anger for their taking advantage of you, lack of support, not behaving or being the people you think they should have been. When those people cross your mind, mentally send them a blessing, a wish, or a kind thought that they find their path. Then let it go. Talk about a healing moment.

This post is dedicated to those who are facing disappointments in others, frustration of how they think the country, health care, or businesses should be run, who should support them, anger with their family and friends... and all those who are finding the holidays a difficult time.

Take a moment and forgive those you feel have harmed you. Then let it go. Forgiveness doesn't make them right, it just enables you to live a mentally and physically healthy life.

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene