How do you define success? For many people, it’s about being in the spotlight. But what about the people who spend their lives behind the scenes, enabling others, without the glory?
Welcome to the 159th edition of The Sunday Spark, a series with weekly thoughts and highlights, nuggets of learning, and a quote of the week. In addition to reflecting on success without the spotlight, this week’s edition looks at converting food waste into biodegradable packaging, turning landfill gas into aviation fuel, and manufacturing synthetic chocolate.
On my mind this week: Success isn’t about being in the spotlight
Although the four astronauts on the Artemis II crew were the ones who received the lion’s share of the glory, the lunar mission took hard work and dedication from thousands of people. You’ll never know most of their names and they will never see the spotlight.
As I followed the mission, I was especially interested in the role of Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons. You may have seen her or heard her voice in Mission Control, as she was the capcom for the Artemis II lunar flyby.
Jenni was Jeremy Hansen’s backup for the Artemis II mission. Equally qualified, she received all of the same training, and needed to be ready to take Hansen’s place in the event he was unable to fly.
Imagine doing all that work and preparation but not receiving the glory.
In Chris Hadfield’s book An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, he spoke of dedicating his life to preparing for space travel, with no guarantee he’d ever get there. He shared the importance of accepting that many things were out of his control, and how loving the learning and the often mundane day-to-day work helped him accept that he could be happy and successful without ever flying in space, or being in the spotlight.
Chris Hadfield did make it to space. He spent 6 months on the International Space Station. His time as Commander made him a household name in Canada. But it could have turned out differently.
Working behind the scenes
Like Jenni Gibbons and other NASA staffers, most people spend their lives working behind the scenes, often enabling the success of others. They serve in their jobs with no expectation of glory.
During the pandemic, I loved the increased level of respect for essential workers who risked their lives to keep us safe, healthy and fed. Sadly, much of that appreciation went by the wayside as things returned to “normal.”
As you go about your life this week, give some thought for all the people who labour behind the scenes to serve you. Think about the cooks, cleaners, warehouse workers, administrative staff, sanitation workers, website developers, truck drivers, farm workers… Take a moment to celebrate those people and recognize the important role they play in keeping you comfortable, healthy, fed, and entertained.
Because, as the Artemis II mission showed us, it takes many dedicated people to make it look easy.
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Three highlights of the week
It’s important to celebrate big milestones and simple pleasures in life. Keeping the trend going, here are three highlights and simple pleasures of the week gone by:
- The temperature hit 20C for the first time this year. We managed to get out for several walks in between the torrential rainstorms and thunderstorms.
- Had lunch with my mum on Thursday. I made a British favourite—cheese and onion pie.
- Daffodils in bloom!
Things I learned this week
Life is all about learning. Here are three things I learned this week:
Turning food waste into biodegradable packaging
Food waste and excessive packaging are two of the biggest environmental issues threatening our planet but scientists are researching ways to turn food waste into biodegradable packaging.
Starch, cellulose, and pectin found in fruits, vegetables, and grains contain the building blocks of plastic-like materials. Researchers are experimenting with extracting these natural polymers from food waste and reshaping them into flexible films and containers that biodegrade after use.
(Source: Happy Eco News)
From landfill gas to aviation fuel
The aviation industry is another significant contributor to global carbon emissions. A pilot project in South Korea is turning landfill gas from food waste into aviation fuel.
Until now, production of aviation fuel has been limited to large-scale centralized plants. This pilot shows production can occur at local landfills or small waste treatment facilities.
(Source: Happy Eco News)
Synthetic chocolate
It’s no secret that I love chocolate, but cocoa price volatility in recent years has resulted in higher prices for my favourite fix.
Mondelēz International, maker of my favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk, along with Toblerone and many other popular chocolate brands, has made a dozen milk chocolate bars using cocoa butter produced from cell-cultured technology developed by startup Celleste Bio.
This sets the stage for Celleste Bio to scale production within the next two years. The startup is optimistic its bioreactors will eventually be able to produce tons of cocoa butter and powder annually from a single cocoa bean.
Synthetic chocolate? I’m not sure how I feel about that!
(Source: Food Dive)
Quote of the week
Success is feeling good about the work you do throughout the long, unheralded journey that may or may not wind up at the launch pad.
Chris Hadfield, Former Commander of the International Space Station
I’d love to hear what you think about any of this week’s topics. Drop me a comment below and let me know your thoughts and ideas.
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There’s so much good to be learned from the Artemis II mission. I love hearing each and every angle. What an inspirational event!
It certainly was! I told my daughter I was in Artemis II withdrawal last week.
Why does this post remind me of understudies in ballet world? They are the backup dancers to the lead boy or girl. They also remember every detail of the choreography and correction that the ballet master gives to the main dancers. They have to learn their part, practicing the movement of their character as well as the principal dancers part. Definitely, their contribution is no less than the ones who get the spotlight, just like Jenni Gibbons in this case.
I thought of theatre understudies when I wrote this, Ranjana. Years ago, I went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Toronto. My childhood idol, Donny Osmond, played Joseph. After the first act they announced that Donny was unable to continue the performance due to illness. His understudy stepped in and blew everyone away with a stellar performance. Without that important role, the show would not have been able to go on. They do play a critical role.
I loved reading An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth – he has such good perspective. Especially as you call out, “He shared the importance of accepting that many things were out of his control, and how loving the learning and the often mundane day-to-day work helped him accept that he could be happy and successful without ever flying in space, or being in the spotlight.”
You have such a good point that the pandemic reminded us to be grateful for the people behind the scenes. Thanks for calling that out! Have a great week, Michelle!
It was such a brilliant book. Chris Hadfield is such a talented man. In additon to his success as an astronaut he’s a writer, photographer, and musician. Definitely an inspiration!
It’s a shame that gratitude for essential worker seemed to fizzle out after the pandemic. I’ve always maintained that all work has value. It’s good to remind ourselves of that.
Love your message this morning, Michelle. Think about those who are working with distinction behind the scenes….holding the world together because of what they do. Jobs of all sorts with honor and meaning in the work – often unrecognized. Thank you for this! A wonderful way to begin my day. ❤️😊❤️
Thank you, Vicki. The world is full of unsung heroes who quietly do jobs that make our lives better. All work matters and everyone is deserving of our respect.
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful week! 🤗
You, too! Xo! 😘
❤️😉❤️
my friends niece was one of the behind the scenes people!!
That is so cool!
💕💕