I heard this today and tracked down a copy of it online. Unfortunately, I don’t know the original author. But it was very timely for me. It’s so much easier to progress and evolve when we’re around people of like mind. When we start to lag behind, get tired, or lose focus, they’re there to uplift and encourage us. I know that when I start to lose my center, the best thing I can do is to listen to, read about, or socialize with people who believe in the same way I do. In this way, I remember the principles I live my life by and am able to get back on track.

The Legend Of Geese

“When you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Basic Truth #1:
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on each other’s trust.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

Basic Truth #2:
If we take a tip from the geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates to the back and another goose flies point.

Basic Truth #3:
It pays to take turns doing the hard jobs.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Basic Truth #4:
We respond to encouragement from others.

Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshot and falls out of formation, two geese fall out with him and follow him down and protect him. They stay with him until he either able to fly or until he is dead, and then, they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.

Final Truth:
If we follow the example of the geese, we will stand by each other through difficulties and challenges.”

Photo courtesy of NASA.

self-improvement