Looked easy and felt confident....until I looked down, SMH *facepalm*

Today, I, along with a group of female veterans from all ages and backgrounds, joined together in some team building activities. One of them was climbing what was called an “Alpine Tower” — a towering structure standing at a height of 50 feet, which offers individuals the opportunity to ascend at their own pace, all while striving to achieve personal milestones.

What sets this experience apart is the collaborative aspect, where participants support and belay each other, fostering a sense of trust and enhancing communication skills. Ideal for groups of varying sizes and climbing abilities, it provides a dynamic platform for personal growth and achievement.

I made a mental note that I would like to reach the top of the plank. I put on the harness and decided to climb the board instead of climbing on pegs. I reached the top where the edge meets the plank but when I looked down, fear entered my heart. I had to stop to rest and breathe because my heart started racing and I started getting anxious. I was trying to climb on to the edge to pull myself up so I could make it to stand on the plank but I couldn’t do it. Fear took over and my heart started to beat at an abnormal pace that I felt I couldn’t proceed onward anymore.

Here’s a good lesson that I learned — when climbing up, DON’T look down!!

Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

That was my mistake. When I looked down, I felt fear enter in. I felt so confident at first that I could reach it. When I got to the edge and looked down, I froze and started getting antsy. The more I thought about moving forward, the more I started feeling fear grip me.

Where was that once fearless Navy girl who used to wear a harness and wipe the window of the Conning Tower and face heights with ease, I asked myself? Ah yes, life has been a crazy roller coaster ride since those younger days.

The 19-year old version of me was a very fearless female. Now that I am 40-something, having lived through some terrible living situations seasoned with hard lessons — some which have damaged my confidence and self-worth, I’ve had to rebuild it all.

But you know what? The important thing is that I gave it a try and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Each step I took was a victory in itself, and there’s no shame in knowing your limits!

Reach For The Sky!

Photo by Armand Khoury on Unsplash

Climbing the Alpine tower can be both exhilarating and challenging. It’s completely normal to feel anxious when faced with heights and unfamiliar situations.

Photo by Hester Qiang on Unsplash

There is a quote by Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, that I love to reflect upon — “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Often, that step requires us to take a risk. Whether it’s trying something new, facing a fear head-on, or embarking on an unfamiliar adventure, the act of stepping into the unknown requires courage.

Photo by Yeshi Kangrang on Unsplash

There is another quote that I love — “Life begins at the end of our comfort zone.” Just as I dared to climb the Alpine tower, each risk we take is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. When we dare to venture beyond the familiar, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. We discover new passions, unlock hidden talents, and forge deeper connections with ourselves and others. So, let’s embrace the unknown! Let’s dare to take risks, face our fears, and step boldly into the adventure that awaits us.

Sometimes, we settle into our routine of daily living, just trying to survive. (That’s me these days.) We forget that life is meant to be lived. For most of us, we like to keep safe, right? I know, I do. Well, sometimes, the fearless ones are the ones who create the change we need in this world.

In a world that often encourages us to play it safe, let’s be courageous. Let’s be brave enough to take risks, face our fears, and embrace the unknown. For me, this was a learning experience testing my limits at a much older version of me. I recognize in moments like this — these moments of uncertainty — that we discover our true strength, resilience, and capacity for growth. This event just fueled my desire to overcome my fear of heights. I will be leaping to a greater height at my next opportunity.

So go ahead, take that leap of faith.

Your greatest adventure awaits.

The Alpine Climbing Tower, University of Missouri, Division of Student Affairs, Venture Out Outdoor Experiential Education Program; https://ventureout.missouri.edu/

I can almost see it
That dream I’m dreaming
But there’s a voice inside my head saying
You’ll never reach it

Every step I’m taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I, I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No, I’m not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments, that
I’m gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on, ‘cause

Yeah

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
Yeah, yeah

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It’s all about, it’s all about the climb
Keep your faith, keep your faith
Whoa

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Jessi Leigh Alexander / Jon Clifton Mabe

Facing Fear

Teambuildingactivities

Comfort Zone

Adventure

Climbing