Perspective

"Perspective" is a word that has crossed my sight-path a half dozen times this morning, so it seems only fitting to ponder it here.  The photo above was taken on 21 January 2009, as I prepared for my incentive ride in the rear seat of A2167, the D-model F-16 assigned to my unit.  The ejection seats canopy, and other egress components I maintained during my military career giving me unique perspective.  In mere moments, that perspective shifted as we lifted vertically to 16,000 feet on a beautifully clear day, scarcely a cloud in sight.

The ride was beyond description, even for me.  I took my camera along and even took some video clips as we did countless maneuvers, several 9-G turns, and broke the sound barrier, going MACH 1.3.  The perspective in that seat, a godly pilot in the front, with a working knowledge of the systems involved in every bank and dive (my late husband was an avionics flightline technician) allowed me to savor the experience in awesome ways.

My camera's battery expired during the ride, before we flew over the USS Arizona Memorial.  It was surreal to say the least.  I had been to the Memorial for the first time in 2002, taken some airmen with me to visit it again during that TDY in 2009 having served two combat rotations with our unit, and that day, a battle-seasoned Veteran, my perspective was awe, reverence, and something akin to visiting the burial site of a cherished family member.  I was fully present in that moment, knowing this would be my one and only opportunity to witness that special place from such a perspective.

Another word that has popped up lately in various milieu and media is Enneagram, a paradigm of personality typing.  I own a few books on the topic, and I've been curious, but I hadn't taken the assessment until today.  The resulting number category isn't likely to come as a surprise to anyone who knows me:  2, the Supportive Advocate.  My perspective is one of seeking to assist others, often to my own peril.

As an Egress Specialist, one of the things I did at least monthly was to teach airmen how to safely enter and exit the cockpit, how to ensure the system was safed (pinned with streamers), and how to utilize the functions of the seat (adjustment of their positioning up or down the rails to gain greater perspective for their own maintenance specialties), and the potential and present dangers involved.  We always hope the pilot will finish assignment and return to the flightline as planned; but sometimes that doesn't happen - life is like that, and pilots have to know when the only course of action is to eject.  I need to learn to eject safely when the situation calls for it, rather than rushing in a nosedive to rescue others I perceive to need my help in my Enneagram "2" way.

Jotting with Johnna
How might a change in perspective help you make wise choices?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the work it takes to understand your unique perspective and what alterations are necessary in order to thrive in all aspects of your life.  Ejecting is painful and comes at great price; but it is sometimes the only way to survive and move forward.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.