It has been a hot moment, but we are back. Today, we take flight with Learning to Fly from Into the Great Wide Open (1991).
I have a framed piece of artwork in my home-office. It is a silhouette of Tom Petty with the words “learning to fly” stamped at the top. It features three colors – blue, white and black and I often wonder if this is on purpose or merely just a coincidence. Blue for sky, white for clouds, black for the unknown – maybe? It does not matter in the overall scheme of things as it is a daily reminder that although I do not know where today will take me, it is still a journey I need to take.
That right there may sum up Learning to Fly, at least in the way that I interpret it.
Well I started out down a dirty road
Started out all alone
Simple enough, but a reminder that when it comes to personal growth, we often start the journey alone.
Well the good ol’ days may not return
And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn
This right here, well damn. A whole lot into just two sentences. Each of our lives are in constant change as is the nature of things. But outside forces want us to be static, to be what we once were, to strive to go back to a time when things may have been good. But that is a losing battle because the conditions of that place and time are different and will never be the same. Instead of trying to reclaim a moment in the past, perhaps we should instead turn our attention to understand how we can embrace the changes going on around us to create moments that matter and make this a good new day.
Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I’ve started out for God knows where
I guess I’ll know when I get there
I see this as a continuation of what is above. Upon reflection, I have come to learn that some negative reactions I have had are simply due to wanting things to be the same instead of taking the time to understand the what and the why behind the change so I can learn how to get the most out of it.
I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Don’t give up. You have started the journey, now see it through.
I’m learning to fly [(learning to fly)]
Around the clouds
But what goes up [(learning to fly)]
Must come down
Each journey will come to an end, just like each day comes to an end. As mentioned above, we cannot remain static because the moment is forever changing. Take the lesson, learn from it and start anew.
This song surely resonates with me. At least in the way that I see it as an autistic person. Because I am neurodiverse my journeys may be different as I have challenges that others do not. But that does not mean I do not end up in the same place; it does not mean I do not learn the same lessons; it does not mean I don’t have my moments. What it does mean is that I have learned that I cannot stand still. Autism is not an excuse to forego the journey, but a reason to have the courage to begin the journey.
Jamoosh Interrupted 