Live in the moment right? Well here is a funny story. Just read my shirt in the above photo and it will all make sense.
I thought the world was going to end when I turned 25. And again when I turned 30. And when I stepped out of the airplane when I turned 31. Wait, let me back up a little bit and give you some background. Everyone has something they are deathly afraid of. Some people hate flying, some hate spiders and some are terrified of heights. I am one of those people whose palms just start sweating at the thought of being high in the sky, no matter what guardrails and protection is offered. I remember when I was in Chicago at the former Sears Tower, now Willis Tower, I had to crawl out, eyes closed onto the clear platform and was barely able to open my eyes for the photo. Actually, now my hands are currently starting to perspire as I type and remember that moment...
For my 31st birthday, my husband JP and I had been staying in Bridgehampton and unbeknownst to me, he had planned to take me to conquer my fear of heights at Skydive Long Island for my birthday. Yikes. A+ for thought and effort and D for my emotions running scared. The entire hour drive to the air strip, I kept thinking, I can do this, I can totally do this, people do it all the time, trying to convince myself to get my knees to stop shaking. When you get to the skydive office, you have to watch a few safety videos, sign a ton of waivers and get paired up with your jump master. Simple enough. My guy---> "Sugarcane" and oh my god was he THE BEST. I don't say that lightly as I really trusted him with my life. He explains arm, leg, body positions and makes sure that you are 100% comfortable with everything. Skydive Long Island has its own private airstrip and owns almost 17 acres of land which is home to thousands of skydivers. The day that we went, there were only about 3 other people jumping in my plane. Even more nerve wracking because there was nobody to get scared with. Up up up and away we flew to 13,500 feet and then...
With all this said, just click the video below to witness one of the most treasured moments of my life.
Heart Pumping. Nerves jumping. Adrenaline rushing. Excitement. Freeing. So many emotions, such little time. Conquering a fear never felt SO GOOD.
Now that I am safely back on the ground, I can laugh all day about my wind blown face in the photos above and remember how proud I was to have accomplished something I feared so much. Thank you to my husband for believing I could do it and for giving me such an incredible experience. Will I go again? Not sure yet because one time might have been enough for me but I hear there are some spectacular places in the world to skydive and its got me thinking....
Where is the most incredible place you have ever skydived? Would love to hear about it!
As always, go JETSETAWAY!