One Way Or Two Way

Your heart starts pounding, and panic threatens to take over. But you're not just any ordinary passenger. You are Pilot Rudolf Erasmus, flying a Beechcraft Baron 58 with four passengers on board, and it's up to you to keep everyone safe.

Erasmus quickly realizes that he must remain calm and composed to handle this unexpected situation. He informs his passengers about the uninvited guest, and immediately starts making preparations for an emergency landing.

With sheer grit and determination, he focuses on his training and experience, navigating the aircraft while keeping an eye on the cobra. Every move he makes is calculated, and he keeps his wits about him, knowing that any wrong move could have dire consequences.

As Erasmus continues to fly the plane, he reflects on the courage it takes to face fears head-on.

He thinks about the countless courageous individuals who have faced their fears in different scenarios, from soldiers going into battle, to athletes pushing their limits, to kids standing up in front of the class for the first time. And yes, even writers, who often face their own fears of failure, rejection, and criticism.

Erasmus recalls famous authors who have overcome their fears to achieve great success. J.K. Rowling, who faced numerous rejections before becoming one of the best-selling authors in history. Harper Lee, who overcame her fear of criticism to write the iconic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."

And Stephen King, one of his favorite authors, who used his fear of the dark to influence his writing. These authors didn't let their fears hold them back; they pursued their passion for writing despite the challenges they faced.

But Erasmus also understands the doubts and fears that aspiring writers may have. He knows that some may worry about not being good enough to be published, or about the financial risks of investing in writing training. He once had those same thoughts too.

However, Erasmus also realizes that not trying at all is scarier than facing those fears.

He understands that letting fear keep you grounded, forever dreaming of the life you could have had, is a far more daunting reality. He knows that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to face it and take action despite it.

As Erasmus continues to fly the aircraft with the cobra at his feet, he relies on his training and instincts.

He remains focused and determined, making sure to keep the passengers and himself safe. He knows that he cannot afford to let fear take over, as it could cloud his judgment and lead to disastrous consequences.

After what feels like an eternity, Erasmus successfully lands the aircraft in Welkom, South Africa, where first responders and a snake handler are waiting to handle the situation. The passengers and Erasmus are grateful to be on the ground safely, and they credit Erasmus's calm and composed demeanor for the successful outcome.

As Erasmus reflects on the harrowing experience, he realizes that facing his fear of the cobra in the aircraft was just one of many challenges he has encountered as a pilot.

He has learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it, stay focused, and take calculated actions in the face of adversity.

Erasmus also recognizes that his experience parallels the challenges that writers face.

Just like navigating an aircraft with a deadly snake on board, writing requires courage, determination, and perseverance. Writers must confront their fears of failure, rejection, and criticism, and keep pushing forward despite these obstacles.

As Erasmus wraps up the incident and completes the necessary procedures

The message that can be learned from the story of Pilot Rudolf Erasmus facing a deadly snake at 10,000 feet in the air and living to tell the tale is about the power of courage and overcoming fear.

Just like Erasmus, who remained calm and composed in the face of danger and safely landed the aircraft despite the presence of a venomous snake, many others have faced their fears and achieved incredible things.

The story highlights that fear is a natural human emotion that can hold us back from pursuing our dreams and goals, whether it's in writing, sports, or any other aspect of life.

However, it also emphasizes that fear can be overcome with courage, determination, and resilience. Just like J.K. Rowling, Harper Lee, and Stephen King, who overcame their own fears and achieved success in their writing careers, the story encourages readers to confront their fears and not let them dictate their choices and actions.

Furthermore, the story emphasizes the importance of taking risks and not being afraid of failure.

Erasmus could have chosen to panic or give in to fear when faced with the snake in the aircraft, but he kept his cool and focused on safely landing the plane.

Similarly, in writing and in life, taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone is often necessary for personal and professional growth. It's important to not let fear of failure or rejection hold us back from pursuing our passions and dreams.

The story also highlights the importance of self-belief and resilience. Erasmus remained confident in his abilities as a pilot despite the challenging situation he faced.

Likewise, as writers or in any other endeavor, believing in oneself and maintaining a resilient mindset in the face of obstacles and setbacks is crucial for success.

It's important to persevere, even when faced with fear or challenges, and not let them deter us from our goals.