I've been lucky enough to fly to space twice.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where the heavens stretch infinitely beyond the horizon of human understanding, there are those who dare to journey into the unknown, to traverse the very fabric of the universe that surrounds us. Chris Hadfield, one such brave soul, once humbly remarked, "I've been lucky enough to fly to space twice." These words, though simple, carry within them a profound reflection on the nature of human ambition, persistence, and the sheer marvel of exploration. For to fly to space, not once, but twice, is to witness firsthand the vastness and wonder of the cosmos—an experience that forever alters the soul of any who undertake it.

Consider, O seekers of wisdom, the ancient myth of Icarus, who, driven by an unquenchable desire to fly, soared too close to the sun, only to fall to the earth. While the myth of Icarus is a cautionary tale of hubris, it also speaks to the indomitable human spirit that yearns to break free of earthly constraints, to defy the natural order, and to explore the limits of our potential. In Hadfield’s journey, we do not see recklessness, but the triumph of the human will to transcend, to dream beyond the stars, and to turn the impossible into reality. Hadfield’s words reflect not just the achievement of space travel, but the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that many throughout history have dared to dream but few have achieved.

Look, too, to the story of Yuri Gagarin, the first man to journey into space. When Gagarin ascended into the heavens, the entire world held its breath, for his flight was not just a personal achievement, but a victory for all humankind. It was a moment when the Earth, our cradle, was seen from a new vantage, one that spoke of our place in the grand cosmos. Yet Gagarin, like Hadfield, understood that the journey to the stars was not solely about glory—it was about the infinite possibilities that lay beyond the world we know, about what humanity could achieve when it dared to reach beyond its own limitations. For Gagarin, as for Hadfield, space was a realm of discovery, a place where the human spirit could expand and evolve.

Hadfield’s luck, as he humbly calls it, is not merely a stroke of chance, but the result of years of dedication, study, and sacrifice. To reach the stars is not a gift granted by fate, but a culmination of effort, perseverance, and courage. Hadfield did not simply stumble into space on a whim—he spent decades training, studying, and preparing for the opportunity. His journey, like that of countless others who have reached for the stars, is a testament to the power of human resolve. It is a reminder that while we may feel insignificant in the face of the infinite cosmos, our dreams and efforts are anything but small. Every achievement, every step toward the heavens, is a victory of the human spirit.

In this, there lies a deeper lesson for us all. The journey to space, as represented by Hadfield’s words, is not merely a physical journey but a metaphor for the human quest for understanding, for meaning, and for progress. Just as Hadfield soared into the great unknown, so too must we, in our own lives, seek to rise above the mundane and reach for something greater. Whether it is in our careers, our relationships, or our personal growth, the lesson is clear: we must never stop reaching, never stop dreaming, and never stop striving for something beyond what we can currently see or understand. The act of exploration is not limited to the stars; it is a daily practice of curiosity, courage, and ambition.

The practical lesson to carry forward is this: take every opportunity to pursue your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. Whether you seek to reach the stars, like Hadfield, or to reach the pinnacle of your own chosen path, remember that the road is long and filled with challenges, but it is also filled with immense reward. Every step you take toward your goals, no matter how small, is a step toward the fulfillment of your destiny. Hadfield’s journey to space was not born in a moment, but over the course of many years of learning, growing, and failing forward. The same is true for each of us. The sky is not the limit; the limit is what we place upon ourselves.

And so, O travelers of time, look to the stars not as distant dreams, but as symbols of your own potential. Like Hadfield, you too can rise, not just to the heavens, but to the highest expression of your own potential. Remember that luck is not a mere accident, but the fruit of consistent effort and a heart filled with determination. Each of us carries within us the ability to soar, to reach the unimaginable, and to turn our dreams into reality. Let us carry forward the legacy of those who have gone before us—who have flown to the stars—not just with their bodies, but with their spirits, and let us strive to reach, always, for something greater than ourselves. The universe is vast, but so too is the power within us to explore it.