Taking the Leap
My friends joined me at Circus school to learn the flying trapeze. My expectations on what we would be doing included a dry-land portion of the day where we would get comfortable with the bar with our feet firmly planted on the ground followed by a bunny trapeze that would be ten feet off the ground. Yup–that didn’t happen. After a measly 4 minute instruction, I “willingly” climbed a 50-foot extension ladder that was on its full extension. I thought that was the scariest part. Then I leaned out over a platform and jumped (more like walked). I’d love to say I wasn’t scared at all, but that would be a lie. I was terrified but my friends were all standing there watching me and I had convinced them to join me in the first place. There was no option to step back from that ledge. There was only going forward. Heather said it well in her reflection at Wealthy Woman Warrior.
Anything that gets your stomach churning, your mouth dry and your hands sweaty is a GOOD thing. That’s risk. That’s being out of your comfort zone. That’s where moments are measured.
I often think back to the time I went bungee jumping with Mister in New Zealand. This was long before we had kids and I reckoned I was a daredevil. I watched Mister take the leap, then got to the edge myself and backed away. I didn’t need to do this to prove I’m a daredevil went through my head. I just needed to believe I was and it would be true. I didn’t need anything or anybody to tell me for it to be true. I think back on that moment often. The nice lady I paid to hook me up to the giant elastic band, got me to that edge. She said 3, 2, 1 and I went. I am a better person for it. I know that sounds hokey, but stick with me.
It is a stretch to challenge myself (and most of my friends and family) to do fifty new adventures this year while writing a book, parenting, and trying to be a better wife. It takes thought, time, coordination, effort, patience, and drive. I haven’t had those in a while as I have been battling depression. So this is my healing moment. I am almost off my meds and I need to force myself to think about something other than spending the day on our comfortable couch with Netflix. I need to remind myself that believing I am well is not the only battle. I have to prove it to myself by jumping off that platform. I need to take that leap of faith as I take my last dosage and trust that my brain has my back, my safety harness (friends and family) are in place, and the net that is my cognitive behaviour therapy tools and my doctor will make sure I don’t hit the ground again.
Heather thanked me for turning 50 when we left circus school. But it is her and all my friends and family I need to thank. Fifty will happen whether I want it to or not. But having my girls and family to fall back on, cry with, laugh with, and share with is already the gift I needed. I truly have the best friends and family a person could ask for. They are taking this leap with me and supporting my back as they push me closer to the ledge of wellness. I was not the person to ask for help that day I stepped up to the bungee platform (see, I told you we’d get back there). I could do everything myself and didn’t need others. It has taken me almost fifty years to realize that is a small way to live your life and I want to live big. I don’t get another life and our kids don’t get another mother to show them how it is done. I will need another fifty years, however, to get everything in but if I have my grandfather’s genes, that shouldn’t be a problem.
If you like this week’s YouTube adventure, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, and/or here. Don’t miss a week. We are not planning to slow down 🙂
I am so proud of you that you make me cry. XO Mom
Thanks, Mom!
Oh, hells no, but you are my hero. I also initially backed out when I went skydiving at 45, but then did take the plunge and jump. No need to do it again, but I’m glad I did, so I feel you. There is 0% of me that would ever bungee though. Ever. No. Kill me first.
But you jumped out of a perfectly good airplane…? There are so many question here.
Tandem. Hooked to someone who knew what they were doing and probably didn’t want to die 🙂
Still! People have asked if I would do that for my 50/50 and I chose the indoor version (January). I think I’d pass out before I was pushed out and not ‘enjoy’ the experience.
I am in actual AWE of you! Holy moly you wouldn’t catch me climbing a ladder, much less flying upside down even with a net beneath me! You have got some super fine friends that are willing to take the ‘plunge’ with you. By the way – you looked GREAT! Coordinated even.
The ladder was ridiculously scary. We were clipped in, but it jiggled the entire trip to the top.
PS: My friends are actual rock stars!
PPS: Thanks for the compliment 🙂
After every leap is another one to be taken. Congratulations to you, Sandy, and Heather for taking several big leaps here.
And nice tape ear.
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It was an awesome day and I was adrenaline high for about 3 days. It’s amazing to be Kristine’s friend! Never a dull moment and then there are these ‘killer experiences’ that are life teaching. Sooooo grateful! Thanks @mumrevised
Never a dull moment for sure. Love you!
I was thinking that green tape might be festive… you know, just to change it up 🙂
You are my hero Krissy!! Love you, and being one of your girls. xo
Love you back!!
Kristine @ Mum Revised recently posted…Taking the Leap
thank you kristine for including me in your adventures. My body has finally stopped aching after 3 days. I’m ready for another good one. sign me up girlfriend, I’ll be one of the many to have your back always, because you are an awesome woman and friend!
I know you have my back! And I know you are game to come out and play with me whenever you can 🙂
As an aside… My arms just started being sore today. I guess I hadn’t noticed them but the pain went away elsewhere and, bam, my arms got in the game.
This was so brave, Kristine! I like to see flying trapeze episodes in circus. It holds my breathing for a while.
Oh, I held my breath. It might not have been wise, but I did. Thanks for watching!
That’s awesome! Looks like tons of fun. You were all flying through the air with, well maybe not the “greatest” of ease, but certainly more ease than most. What’s with all the safety wires though? As your grandfather would say, safe schmafe. 🙂
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Safety first in Canada. It’s a thing.
You know that none of my friends knew that song reference? I’m not sure what that says about my upbringing, but it might say they lived sheltered lives not going to the circus to see the abuse of large animals. Ah, childhood. It was so fun until everyone told us our fun was based on cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals. You can barely kick a cat anymore before someone wants you to stop*.
* I have never kicked a cat, just glared at them until I felt they knew I was capable of it even though I am not capable of kicking a cat. To be clear.
50 adventures! I love this:). You brave soul, you. Applauding your from afar! And really glad I was not the one on that little trapeze:).
You can always visit and join on some other dangerous adventure before October rolls around. You haven’t missed out yet 🙂
Want to try this, but looks scary!