Have you ever felt like you were meant for something bigger, yet something keeps holding you back? Sometimes, the only thing stopping us from reaching our true potential is our own fear of leaving what feels safe. Born to Fly High is a story that reminds us that we are all capable of soaring; we just need to take that first leap.
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Unknown
The Story
Once upon a time, a king was gifted two eaglets. They were unlike any he had ever seen – strong, majestic, and full of potential. Excited by the gift, he appointed a caretaker to look after them and train them to fly.
As the eaglets grew, they became more magnificent. One day, eager to see them in action, the king ordered the caretaker to signal them to fly. As soon as the signal was given, one of the eagles spread its wings and soared high into the sky. However, the second eagle barely lifted off before returning to its branch, unwilling to leave its safe spot.
Confused, the king asked the caretaker, “Why does one eagle fly so high while the other refuses to leave the branch?”
The caretaker sighed, “This has been its habit from the start. No matter what we do, it won’t leave the branch.”
Determined to help the eagle, the king announced a grand reward for anyone who could get the reluctant bird to fly. Many wise men and scholars tried, but none succeeded. The eagle would flutter briefly but always return to its branch.
Weeks passed, and the king was about to give up hope when something incredible happened. He looked up and saw both eagles soaring high. Overjoyed, he immediately called for the caretaker.
“Who made this happen?” he asked in amazement.
“A simple farmer,” the caretaker replied.
Curious, the king summoned the farmer and asked him how he had done what no one else could.
The farmer smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I simply cut the branch where the eagle used to sit. With nowhere else to land, it had no choice but to fly. And once it did, it realized it was born to soar.”
“Sometimes, we have to be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
Born to Fly High – Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that we often hold ourselves back by clinging to what feels safe and comfortable. But the truth is, we are capable of so much more. Just like the eagle, we need to let go of our fears and take that leap of faith. Only then will we realize that we were born to fly high.
“Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly.” – Unknown
Lessons & How to Apply Them in Real Life
This story is a reminder that sometimes, we need a little push to break free. Here’s how you can apply these lessons to your own life:
1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Let’s be honest – we all have that comfortable routine we cling to. The familiar job, the usual habits, the same old excuses. It feels safe, like a warm blanket. But deep down, you know: nothing extraordinary ever came from staying in your comfort zone.
Your Growth Challenge:
This week, do one thing that scares you just a little. It could be:
- Speaking up in a meeting when you’d normally stay quiet
- Trying that workout class you’ve been curious about
- Signing up for a course that stretches your abilities
- Having coffee with someone who intimidates you (in a good way)
Remember: Growth begins where comfort ends. The more you practice stepping into the unknown, the more your world expands.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” – Japanese Proverb
2. Sometimes, You Need a Push
We’re all like that eagle sometimes. We cling to what feels safe – the job we’ve outgrown, the relationship that no longer serves us, the dream we’re too scared to chase. We tell ourselves, “Maybe tomorrow,” while we stay stuck in one place.
Then life does what life does best; it shakes our branch. A layoff. A breakup. A wake-up call. In the moment, it feels cruel. But what if it’s the kindest thing that could happen to us?
That forced leap? That’s where the magic happens. When there’s no branch left to cling to, we finally discover we were born to soar. So the next time life pushes you, don’t resist. Spread your wings. The wind was made to carry you.”
“When nothing is certain, anything is possible.” – Mandy Hale
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People
The farmer saw what the scholars missed. Sometimes, the simplest solution makes all the difference. It’s not always the experts with their theories who help us grow, but the people who see things differently. That teacher who saw potential you didn’t recognize in yourself. The friend who calls you out when you’re making excuses. The colleague whose quiet example shows you what’s possible. These are the people who help us find our wings when we’ve forgotten how to fly. Surround yourself with people who challenge you in the right ways, who won’t let you settle for less than what you’re capable of becoming. Their belief in you might just be the push you need to finally take flight.”
“Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
4. Trust Yourself & Take Action
The eagle already had everything it needed to fly – it just needed to believe it could. The same applies to you. Stop doubting yourself. Take that risk. Start that project. Chase that dream. You already have what it takes.
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem
You were born to fly high. If you feel stuck, maybe it’s time to cut the branch that’s holding you back. Change might feel uncomfortable, but it’s often the push you need to reach your true potential. Take the leap. The sky is waiting for you.
“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” – Erin Hanson
