The Power of Balance

All of us have our fears. Pick your poison whatever it may be, spiders... the dark... failure. This weekend I realized I was scared of heights. But if you ask me while I am standing on the ground I will deny it.

While camping this weekend I went on a zip line for the first time. Before being able to reach the zip line you had to cross a 32 foot high wire cable. The minute I saw the cable with ropes dangling above it my stomach sank. I knew it would be so much fun... but I was instantly scared.


I got roped into helping the belayer by holding the rope for all the people in front of me. I didn't get to go until most of the group was done. This totally made my nerves even worse. I just wanted to get it over with. Finally it was my turn after putting on that very unattractive harness. There is just no way to feel cute in one of those things. The belayer even said, "If its not uncomfortable, then its not tight enough."


When I approached the pole to climb toward the wire my hands were shaking. So much adrenaline was running through my body that even though I was only 10 feet off the ground I started to get really scared. Probably because I forgot to breath. Getting it over with was my next goal. As I got off the pole and stepped onto the wire shoots of fear shot through me as I made little glances to the ground. I decided looking down wasn't a good decision so I looked out through the trees and crossed the wire as fast as I could.


Finally I reached the platform where I jumped off the wire. As cliche as it sounds I felt so alive. My legs were shaking and my mouth was dry, but I was so proud. I held onto the pole for dear life as my carabiners were switched for the zip line. For the zip line you have to sit on the edge of the platform and push yourself off.

I was a wee bit scared and I knew if I waited I would get to scared so I just sat down and instantly pushed myself off. As I slide through the air my stomach jumped into my throat and I screamed... opps... I didn't want to do that, but the reaction was quicker then my thoughts. Gliding through the air was a great reward to the traumatic 2 minutes I had just had.


After I was unhitched and walked the rope back my body was shaking ALL over but I was so ready to do it again. I was so proud of myself for doing it. I am sure you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The experience was amazing. I learned by facing my fear bigger blessings are achieved.