Steve Jobs once said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
When you finally find an endeavor or occupation that speaks to you, it may initially seem unconventional, crazy or even unattainable. Therefore, the last thing you need, is some naysayer to water down your passion with discouragement.
Kazuko Uramatsu, a flight instructor from Tokyo, Japan, provides a beautiful example how she avoided a lifetime of regret, when someone close to her tried to discourage her from her flying dream.
Close to Losing Her Freedom
Let’s take a peek at how Kazuko almost lost her freedom to fly, but then had the guts to finally say “sayonara” to a negative influence in her life.
Her story starts out on a college campus.
One day, a friend invited Kazuko to come to a club meeting on the quad. There, on the grassy knoll, sat a gleaming white, Schweitzer glider. To promote membership, the club displayed the glider to encourage students to join.
Suddenly, a picture of freedom streamed across her mind. At that moment, the flying bug bit Kazuko. She had to fly.
Cultural Turbulence Ahead – Men Only!
In Japan, pilot occupations are traditionally viewed as a male dominated career. For example, as recent as this year, Asian Networks News (ANN) reported that female pilots account for a dismal 1.9% of all airline pilots in Japan.
Yet, where women have traditionally been seen as housekeeper, mother, and maid, Kazuko was cut from a different kimono. She adored independence. However, that independence would soon set the stage for serious relationship turbulence.
“If You Become a Pilot…We cannot marry”
As soon as Kazuko began to take flying lessons, a not-so-subtle image popped up on her radar screen. Although Kazuko had the encouragement of her father, someone else in her life thought flying was a bad idea. A very bad idea.
At the time, Kazuko was dating a Japanese doctor. Unfortunately, the thought of flying did not sit well with him. One day, he floored Kazuko with an ultimatum, “if you become a pilot, we cannot marry.”
When Someone Tries to Clip Your Wings, It’s time to Take a Stand
Kazuko reeled. She finally found an occupation that, for the first time in her life, she tasted ultimate freedom. The message was clear. Kazuko had to choose between rings…or wings.
The doctor got dumped.
Kazuko’s courage paid off. She ultimately married a pilot, who not only loves her, but supports her need to fly, as well. The chains of traditional expectations were broken, and Kazuko became living proof that when you follow your passion, good things tend to come your way.
The Lesson: To Avoid a Lifetime of Regret – Be Assertive and Embrace Your Dreams
Kazuko’s story isn’t just about flying—it’s a reminder for all of us to embrace our dreams, even when others try to hold us back.
Life will always have its naysayers—family, friends, relatives, lovers, co-workers, and even strangers. All will gladly manage your life according to their perspective. But, as Steve Jobs wisely advised, “don’t waste time living someone else’s life.”
Therefore, be assertive. As good-intentioned as others may be, no one knows your internal drive and desire, better than you. While others may tell you how to run the show, keep one thing in mind: it’s your show! In order to avoid a lifetime of regret, stand your ground. Embrace your dream. Refuse to let anyone discourage, dissuade, or undermine the dream.
Whether it’s in the skies or everyday life, follow your passion with courage. Don’t let anyone try to snuff you stuff.
Chose Freedom Over Conformity
Kazuko’s assertiveness shows us, you don’t need to apologize for your ambition.
In a world where expectations often keep people grounded due to cultural values, conformity, or “concern,” reject the naysayers, and chose to soar.
The journey will be worth it. You’ll never regret choosing freedom over conformity. So, the next time someone tries to clip your wings, you now know what to tell them.
“Sayonara!”
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