Weight of Wings
Maya’s eyes sparkled as she recalled her childhood days. Growing up in a small village surrounded by lush green forests and vast fields, she spent most of her days exploring the outdoors with her two best friends, Rachel and Jake. Her parents, Asha and Rohan, encouraged her curiosity, often taking her on long walks and teaching her about the local flora and fauna.
Maya’s passion was to soar to great heights, to make a real difference in the world. As a little girl, she would spend hours gazing up at the sky, watching the birds fly overhead, and dreaming of joining them. Her parents, seeing her fascination, gifted herd a small kite on her fifth birthday. Maya was overjoyed, spending hours flying the kite and feeling the wind rushing past her face.
As she grew older, Maya’s determination only intensified. She excelled in school, participating in various extracurricular activities and leadership programs. Her parents, though proud, also worried about the pressure she put on herself. “Maya, don’t forget to enjoy the journey,” her mother would remind her. “Success is not just about reaching the destination, but also about the experiences you have along the way.”
Years flew by, and Maya’s hard work paid off. She landed a coveted job at the prestigious Azure Corporation, a company known for its innovative approach to business and social responsibility. Maya rose through the ranks, earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Her wings, in the form of her career, were finally taking her places.
But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Maya began to feel the weight of her wings. The pressure to constantly innovate, to meet impossible deadlines, and to manage the expectations of her team and superiors took its toll. She found herself working late nights, sacrificing precious time with loved ones, and doubting her own abilities.
One evening, as Maya stared out of her office window, she spotted a bird perched on a branch outside. It was preening its wings, carefully smoothing out each feather. In that moment, Maya realized that wings weren’t just about flying high; they were also about carrying the weight of responsibility, of hard work, and of the expectations of others.
The next day, Maya’s coworkers, Alex and Emily, approached her with their appraisal forms. Alex, the team lead, praised Maya’s exceptional leadership skills, while Emily, a junior colleague, expressed her admiration for Maya’s guidance and mentorship. However, the appraisal forms also highlighted areas where Maya needed improvement, particularly in delegating tasks and prioritizing her well-being.
Maya took the feedback to heart, recognizing that her wings, though powerful, were not invincible. She began to reevaluate her priorities, learning to delegate tasks, set realistic goals, and nurture her own well-being. She started taking short breaks during the day, practicing meditation, and reconnecting with Rachel and Jake, who had remained close friends despite the distance.
As Maya adjusted to this new perspective, she felt the weight of her wings begin to lift. She rediscovered joy in her work, reconnected with loved ones, and found a sense of purpose that went beyond mere professional success.
Rachel, who had always been Maya’s confidante, noticed the change in her friend. “Maya, you seem more at peace,” Rachel said during one of their weekly calls. “What’s behind the transformation?”
Maya shared her story, and Rachel listened intently. “You know, Maya, we’ve all been there,” Rachel said. “We’ve all felt the weight of our wings at some point. But it’s how we respond that matters. You’re doing great, Maya. Keep soaring, but don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.”
Maya smiled, feeling grateful for her friend’s wisdom. She realized that the weight of her wings was not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be acknowledged and managed. With renewed determination, Maya spread her wings, ready to take on new challenges and soar to even greater heights.
As she looked back on her journey, Maya knew that she owed a great deal to her parents, who had instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion. She remembered the countless hours her mother had spent helping her with her homework, encouraging her to ask questions and explore her curiosity. She recalled the way her father had pushed her to take risks, to step outside her comfort zone and try new things.
Maya’s parents had been her rock, her guiding light, and her safe haven. They had taught her to spread her wings, to fly high, and to never give up on her dreams. And as she soared through the skies, Maya knew that she would always carry their love and wisdom with her, using it to navigate the ups and downs
