With graduations happening every second this time of year, and as people begin to grow up, I wanted to take some time to remember what it felt like to go after my dreams and become a person I’m happy with, and the person I’m meant to be. It feels a lot like flying, like I’ve launched myself off the ground and into something new.

This is how to fly.

1. Look to the sky.

Take a breath and find a place where the blue expanse of light refracted through droplets, ready to be rain is clearly visible and can fill your vision. Watch the clouds move faster than the sun across the sky. Then remember who made the clouds, who made the sky and who made the ground you’re tethered to. Inhale sweet air (you’ll need it later). Then prepare for the next step.

2. Get acquainted with the ground.

Everyone who is ready to fly needs to remember where they came from. The ground has its good qualities. Remember what it’s taught you. The ground was there when you fell and stumbled; it caught you and cradled you close. It was there to stand on, formed mountains and helped you see the sky. Remember how soft the grass is. Sometimes you’ll miss it. We all miss the place we came from. Just remember the plight of flying is that you may or may not see the ground again. Be prepared to leave, be prepared to come back, be prepared to sit near the ground to help and watch others take off later.

3. Prepare for windy days.

Every breeze is not good for soaring, yet any bird can tell you riding out gales leaves you in sweet streams of air further upwards. Do not fear a gust; be prepared to face it. Once flying, a knowledge of how to ride out all storms and gales will be required. Though you may watch and study them now, you may not be able to see while in the middle of a hurricane. So be ready, because flying is worth it.

4. Grab friends.

Not everyone is ready to fly, but by no means should you hold each other back. Instead, for those ready to leave the ground, plan to fly together. There’s a reason for the group formation of geese. The V shape helps reduce the work done by the entire flock, where each can have a rest and they can fly further together than alone. Be like the geese, and work smarter, not harder. A word of caution about those who stay on the ground — remember them fondly, yet do not let them tie you down. They may not be ready.

5. Soar onward and on straight 'til morning.

There will be a tug, a tug at your heart to look back and go back to ground. The safety and comfort of gently sloping hills being all you’ve ever known. Know the top of the mountain, though not quite flying, may seem like close enough. It isn’t, and it never will be. Remember all the sweet air you inhaled in step one? Keep it close, hold your breath as you soar upward through the dark cloud line and break into the space you were meant for. Soar with your spirit and revel in the marvels of newness that feels familiar and distant all at once. This is how you achieve your dreams.