I hate heights.  Ladders, ledges, cliffs, platforms, whatever.  You name it, I get all weak kneed going near the edge.  I especially don’t like trust falls and cliff diving.  I’ve never been on a zip line before last week, but it seemed like the kind of thing that would be right up there with the others.  So when I found myself flying through the air 150 feet above Bean Creek at Mount Hermon last Friday, I just kept reminding myself of one thing.  Breathe.

See, here’s the thing.  I may hate high places, and if I can avoid them I do,  but it is an irrational fear.  Fear is good, it keeps us safe, keeps us from making stupid decisions.  Fear keeps you from driving 120mph on the freeway and jumping from second story windows.  But like other irrational fears, it reaches a point where it takes control of you and inhibits your ability to enjoy life or even function.  When we recognize this and can face our fear head on, it makes us better, more confident people.

It seems so cliche but every time you let go of your fear and fly, it becomes that much easier to face down other things we are nervous or afraid of.  So next time someone offers to push you off a platform 150 feet in the air, take a deep breath and ask where to sign up.  Trust me, it’s worth it.

Filed under: life by Jonathan Assink