We often say “when pigs fly” to describe something utterly impossible. It’s up there with finding a unicorn or winning the lottery every week. The idea of a pig soaring through the sky seems inherently ridiculous. But thinking about pigs and flight can actually teach us a lot about our own lives, especially when it comes to finding our true calling and purpose.
The Impossibility of Flying Pigs
Let’s face it, pigs are not built for flight. They lack wings, their bodies are rather rotund, and their general demeanor is more suited to wallowing in mud than navigating air currents. Trying to imagine a pig taking to the skies is like picturing a fish climbing a tree – comically out of place. This inherent impossibility is why the phrase “when pigs fly” is so effective. It highlights the absurdity of a situation.
In many ways, figuring out what you’re truly meant to do in life can feel just as impossible. Like driving down a country road with no signs, you’re surrounded by possibilities, but lack direction. Remember those career aptitude tests from school? The ones that asked if you’d rather have a hammer or a straw in the desert? For many, the results felt as nonsensical as expecting a pig to sprout wings. Being told you’re destined to be a cartographer when the mere thought of maps makes you yawn is a classic example of well-meaning but utterly misaligned advice.
Discovering Your ‘Flight Path’
Just because pigs aren’t naturally designed to fly doesn’t mean they are without purpose. They excel at being pigs! Their talents lie in rooting, snuffling, and generally being the delightful, if muddy, creatures we know. The key is recognizing that forcing a pig to fly is against its nature, just as pursuing a career path that doesn’t resonate with your inner self is ultimately unfulfilling.
Finding your own “flight path” – your true calling – is about identifying your natural inclinations and passions. It’s less about defying the laws of nature and more about understanding them. It’s about recognizing that your strengths and interests, even if they seem unconventional, are your wings. Perhaps you’ve dabbled in different fields, from business to construction, only to find yourself drawn back to a core passion, like teaching or creating. This pull isn’t random; it’s your internal compass guiding you towards your meant-to-be path.
Turning Points and True Callings
Life is full of turning points. Reaching a milestone age, experiencing a career shift, or simply re-evaluating your priorities can all be catalysts for change. These moments offer a chance to shed the “office and staff” mentality – the things that weigh you down – and embrace the freedom to pursue what truly matters. It’s about discarding the contrived ideas of what others think you should be doing and focusing on what you are meant to do.
Just as it’s pointless to wait for pigs to fly, it’s equally futile to ignore your inner voice urging you towards your true calling. The trick isn’t to make the impossible literally happen, but to realize that what might seem impossible to others – a fulfilling career, a passionate life – is entirely possible when you align yourself with your genuine purpose. Are you doing what you are meant to be doing? Maybe it’s time to stop waiting for pigs to fly and start building your own wings.
