Without reservation

We all have certain situations that intimidate us. Some are to be expected. Public speaking strikes fear in the heart of many. Jumping off literal cliffs does it to me. Add skydiving to that list. Heights don't bother me, just falling from them.

An interesting situation came up. Many years ago, while reading an article in National Geographic, I saw photos of scientists zip lining through the jungle canopy in the rainforest. Cool, I would love to do that. Fast forward to about seven years ago, I was on a working vacation in Costa Rica with two of my sisters. Eco-travel is the popular thing there, focusing on environmental preservation. That translates to unpaved roads, sharing your hotel room with bugs the size of robins and lizards in the shower. The scenery left me breathless, or maybe it was the ninety eight percent humidity. Anyway, they offered zip line tours through the tree canopy. Wow, I always wanted to do that! My sisters and I signed right up.

Early morning and it began with a hike uphill. Our guides were young men, about five foot four. That fact becomes relevant a little later when they have to hoist and unclamp tourists three times their size on four foot wide platforms lodged in trees. With typical enthusiasm, my sisters and I were looking forward to this fun, bonding experience. Then we got to the first zip line. You begin climbing wooden stairs up the side of a tree, and keep climbing. At the top, on the first platform, with only a rope strung around to guard people from falling off, we suddenly realize that we are very high off the ground. Now, did I mention the falling or jumping from heights issue? In my enthusiasm for doing something on my bucket list, I forgot about my fear. I learned something valuable. My fear of embarrassing myself in front of strangers by chickening out was greater than my fear of heights. Who would have thought? I also learned that my youngest sister didn't realize that she had a fear of jumping from heights until that moment. Make that instant paranoia. Now, climbing down that rickety ladder looked hazardous, so did getting lost in the rainforest alone. So, after watching other hardy souls hook into harnesses and fly thru the trees safely and assurances from the guides that no tourist had died doing this, I was game. My sister took a lot of coaxing. It was exhilarating. Each successive zip line was longer. Our confidence soared. It was beautiful, in some places the ground was a hundred feet below, but it didn't matter. The experience of being in the trees, the lush greenery, eye level with birds and blue skies above was incredible. The excitement lasted for days. If I could to do this, I could try anything ( well almost, maybe). I still preferred watching the volcano glow from a distance. Did I mention a fear of fire?

Now, what really astounds me is that many people I know will not go into a restaurant and dine alone. Their fear of being judged and discomfiture overrules their appetite. On a list of terrifying experiences to be avoided at all costs, that seems to come right after spiders, snakes and public speaking but before death for many people. A few hungry souls who travel for business will bring a book to protect them. It confers instant invisibility to all except the waitress. So they think. I have never understood this fear. Most have been eating since a very early age, were taught which fork to use and speak the native tongue. Not being being able to read the menu, especially in a place that serves roasted scorpions and monkey brains, okay I get that. It's totally understandable. But to miss a delicious, dining experience because you are alone? The restaurant welcomes you as a guest. Relax into your seat, order a glass of wine or a cup of tea if you prefer. Look around. People watching is fun. And just think, people will be admiring your confidence and
sophistication. They may wonder if you are a spy, a food critic, or a researcher into the cure for cancer.

Dare to challenge your fears. This does not require bungee jumping. Perhaps just a nice lunch alone in a quiet little restaurant or standing up to add your voice at a local community meeting. If you love to sing in the shower, join a local choir. Stretch yourself, even a little. Dare to let desire overcome fear. When you do, confidence expands exponentially. Courage becomes contagious and compelling. Knowing, if I did this then I CAN do that leads to a fuller, richer experience of life.

Now, to overcome that fear of trying on swimsuits....