Some other lessons flying can teach

Someone told me, probably my CFI or maybe I read it in a book, that the process of learning to fly teaches someone just as much about themselves as it does about flying. I know that is true. Big time. The majority of my struggles as I've been learning how to fly aren't about stick and rudder skills, flight planning, learning aerodynamics and weather, FAA regulations, etc. etc. Its been with myself. I've recorded many of those struggles and reflections here. My apologies to those of you who may be sick of my musings about my own personality traits. In any case this journey of flight has been a wonderful and sometimes painful experience of discovery.

Another beneficial side effect for me is greater empathy for my daughter. She's been struggling in school this year... and now she's failing Social Studies, not because she does bad work, but because she often doesn't turn in her work. So we're doing the makeup work scramble tonight. (I can't imagine what it would be like to have to handle this type of thing for two kids at once... my hat off to all parents of twins or more than one kid!) I was trying to calmly explain what she did wrong and how she has to fix it and she said "I'm TRYING!" I'll admit, my initial reaction was, "No! You aren't trying because obviously if you were trying you would do it!"

Ahhh... reminds me of a slightly different conversation.

"Get your ass on the center line!"
"I'm trying!"
"No, you're not. You haven't adjusted once for the winds."

Just one of many times I've "tried" and failed. And it isn't like I don't intend to do as I know I need to. I just don't do it. Even though I'm trying. *sigh*

Yes, I emphasize with my daughter. It doesn't mean she's off the hook for not doing her homework. Any more than I'm off the hook for not having my ass over that center line. The DPE won't care if I'm "trying" or not. Neither do the teachers. Trying only gets you so far. Doing is what's required. In grade school and in flying.