2015: The Year Of The Whirley Bird

The New Year is here. 2015. We did it! Well done, us. As we reflect on the year that was and look ahead with commendable optimism and determination to the year that will be, we vow to do some things more, other things less and a few things not at all. It’s a time of introspection and meditation (and the worst hangover of the year, so far). And, since helicopter metaphors are my favourite, let’s resolve to make this the best year yet by embracing one simple mantra: be the bird.

Know when to land, when to hover and when to bail.
Just because you can hover, doesn’t mean you always should. While it’s true that sometimes you need to wait and collect all the necessary information before making a decision – choosing a life partner, deciding which skis to buy, picking the right pizza toppings – other times you need to get off the fence and make a move. Resolve to be confident in your decision-making in 2015.

Avoid heavy loads for energy efficiency.
This metaphor could go in a number of different directions, actually. Most literally, I guess it has to do with physical weight management and staying healthy. On a deeper level, I’m talking about minimizing stress and travelling lighter through the year ahead. Either way, less is more and balance is the key.

Make a grand entrance.
Helicopters are not sneaky machines. They are loud and messy and incredibly sexy. Doesn’t that sound like fun? It must be. Command the attention you deserve in 2015.

Look with your eyes.
I’m no pilot, but I do know that helicopters are tricky to fly because they don’t have the fancy computers and ground control that airplanes rely upon. Instead, they use old-fashioned eyeballs and brains and compasses. Guess what? You can too. You don’t need the Internet to tell you how to decorate your living room or whether or not to pack an umbrella. Trust your natural instruments and navigate this year like a pro.

Speak with your mouth.
They may not have fancy computers, but they do have radios. I mean, obviously. In many ways, modern technology has put us in touch with more people, more easily than ever before. In other ways, however, it’s left a void in our relationships that Facebook and Snapchat can’t hope to fill. Open your mouth, use your words and resolve to get to know each other better in 2015.

Down days happen.
Things didn’t always go as planned in 2014 and they won’t always go as planned in 2015. Disappointment and frustration are inevitable, acceptance is essential and alcohol helps.

Go heliskiing.
This isn’t so much a metaphor as it is a strong recommendation, but that doesn’t make it any less timely and powerful. This is it. This is the year. Lift off. Take flight. Be the bird.