“We are each of us angels with only one wing.  And we can only fly while embracing each other.” 

– Lucian de Croszonza

This is such a beautiful idea to me.  I don’t know why so many of us fight it, why so many of us are too stubborn or too proud to ask for help or let others be a part of our success.  

I see it with my students, and even my own friends and family.  The frustration that results when a person tries to do something on his or her own when help is clearly necessary is painful to witness.  It does make sense to equate this experience with trying to fly with only one wing; it just can’t be done.

I like to think that I value the opinions of others and that I am receptive to help…now. This was not always the case, however.  When I was younger, I fought my parents’ and teachers’ constructive criticism and vehemently argued against it.  (I guess I thought I knew much more than I did!)  I often refused the help or guidance that was offered to me and as I look back I realize how much smoother or simpler things might have gone for me over the years if I had accepted it.  Instead, I tried to do things on my own, in my own way.  We live and we learn – and this is definitely a lesson that I learned the hard way!

I seek help with so many things today like professional development opportunities as a teacher and workshops as a writer.  I am happy whenever anyone takes the time to offer advice…and I make an effort to express my gratitude for the advice even if I don’t agree with it.  

We each can only get so far with our one wing – and while some of us may do okay with that one wing, just think of how much farther we can go and more successful we can be if we let someone help us, fly with us.  And, even more beautiful than this thing of our own success, is how much we can help others when we become their second wing.

~Melissa 🙂