Balance

Not too long ago I realised that Google Earth has a flight simulator built in. After a few minutes of reminiscing about how flight simulators used to be entire apps themselves, and in fact be the most complex things on a computer, I started playing around with it. It's pretty simple, you can only choose between two planes and about two-dozen airports. Or, you can fly over your current view, which is neat because then you can keep your placemarks turned on and do fly-bys on your house or whatever.

The biggest issue I had with it, other than the initial "wow-factor" wearing off after five minutes, was that once you touched the controls it seemed impossible to get back on course. Maybe it would be easier with a joystick, but I don't have one. So what would end up happening is that you'd make a slight attitude adjustment but never be able to just sit back from the controls afterward. Touch the controls once and you're now committed to a flight of constant minor adjustments: nose-up for a minute, nose-down for a minute, nose-up for a minute, nose-down.

Finding that sweet spot that the program started you at where you're flying perfectly level seems impossible.

It's very hard for me to find balance in every day life. When I take on a task or a pursuit, I either do it reluctantly and minimally, or dive in head first. Sometimes I end up like this guy:

Usually not.

More often than not this tends to be a great trait. Some times though, I forget to try and maintain a balance; I'll let one thing take over my life. I've learned over the years to catch myself. I make rules.

When I wanted to get my tattoo I thought it was a great idea and could of convinced anyone around that it was worthwhile. But, I realised, it'll last forever and if it's not a great idea I'm stuck with it. Forever. So the rule I made was that I had to want it for a whole year, inclusive -- not just the two end points. I did, I got it, and I've thought getting it was a great idea every day since.

When I wanted to change careers and become a Fire Fighter it was similar. Once the idea was in my head I wanted to act on it NOW. Waiting to act on that change was a good idea, it let me prepare in many ways, and again, I still think it was a great idea every day.

Deciding to train for a triathlon was a little bit different. I needed to do something to get in better shape anyway, I needed a plan, and I needed a goal -- even a loosely defined one. There was obviously no point in waiting for a year before implementing that plan. In fact, doing so would be detrimental no matter what. The problem then became how much?

I do have a lot of free time, and it's fantastic. But it seems it's a little dangerous, I so easily get carried away. What to do this afternoon? Hrm.. Might as well run again. It's sunny out: Gotta bike. Gotta train.

Well, actually, I don't. I'm not a pro. I don't want to be a pro. I just want to be fit and compete. I'd left the controls alone for too long and was flying too high. The air was getting thin, and I was losing sight of the horizon. It was time for an attitude adjustment before I stalled and fell to the ground.

So I'm pitching my nose down a bit. Focusing on training less and making sure I'm enjoying it. There's definitely a problem with me if I'm not looking forward to the view of the mountains we get while biking west. This isn't a job, so it sure as hell better not feel like one.