Fly Like an Eagle

Another song, another day. This song was released in 1976 by The Steve Miller Band. The other day, this song came up on the playlist. 49 years after being released this song is as relevant today as it was in the 70s and once again, speaks to my soul.

“Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin into the future.” Here we are in 2025, and it seems we reigniting the 60s and 70s all over again. Now, this is not a political post. It is about how over the last 50-60 years of my life, I’ve been an observer of how our societal norms have morphed over the years and the impact on my world and the world of those around me. I’m not saying anymore about this, as we all know what’s happening and this is not the place for any kind of comment from me.

However, I am at a point in my life where having somewhat conquered my world and living a pretty great life that I “want to fly like an eagle to the sea, fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me, I want to fly like an eagle, til I’m free, oh Lord, through the revolution.”

When I was growing up in northern Minnesota in the 60s and 70s seeing an eagle was an incredible opportunity, seldom experienced, maybe once in a blue moon (whatever that means), certainly years in between sightings. Over the last few decades the number of eagles has increased. Now I see them several times a day. It is still an incredible sight and I pause every time I see one (unless I’m driving, of course…then I just keep one eye on the eagle and keep on driving). I’m not sure why I’m so fascinated by eagles, but there it is.

I guess it’s all about freedom for me. Not being free of responsibility, but totally free to make my own choices and the freedom to go after life, with the only restraints being my integrity and accountability for who I am and what I do. I have dreamed for years about riding out of the Twin Cities on my motorcycle, leave my “responsibilities” behind and keep riding till I’m ready to stop and settle down somewhere. Of course, for years, those responsibilities were ones I chose and kept choosing (husband, kids, career, etc.). So, now that I no longer have those responsibilities, meeting Alice and joining up with her to accomplish the Chick and Alice Freedom Ride is like a dream come true. I get the opportunity to ride as much as I want within the mission of Clearview Works, which I fully believe in and am so honored to be a part of.

But, when I stand up and say “count me in” I do have a responsibility to Alice and the rest of the team to walk my talk and consider the team and our goals in everything I do. That’s the accountability we talk about so much. Whatever I do, whatever decisions I make cannot be done in isolation. They never could be. It’s always necessary to weigh those choices against the responsibilities I have chosen to take on, and to make sure my choices do no harm to others. It’s always about me (inside my head) but I don’t live in isolation, I live in a larger world and there it’s not always about me. I’m not saying I do this perfectly…progress, not perfection, but it’s who I’d like to be, so I keep trying to practice it. I’m no saint, never will be. Don’t wanna be. I like my imperfect self. Just want to be a better version of myself.

So what did I just ramble on about? I’m not sure. I guess freedom is really “all in my head.” It’s about the freedom I give myself to keep living my life, making my choices all the while doing my best to keep my integrity and accountability for myself intact. Freedom doesn’t mean lack of responsibility. That kind of freedom comes at too high of a cost and I’m not willing to pay that price anymore. I’ve tried it before, it didn’t go well. I often learn the hard way, given my independent spirit and lack of willingness to listen to other’s advice, but those hard falls left an impression, a desire to not repeat them and a bit more willingness to keep growing and living life the best I can.

I think that’s enough rambling for one night…

Love and peace,

Chick