And so I stand there, frozen. Electricity coursing through my veins, I nervously smooth the hair out of my eyes, and glancing behind me, I am at least relieved to see that I'm alone up here. Turning back was not an option. I had made it my personal mission, my challenge of spirit to do this dive, and I wouldn't go back.
And so I close my eyes to the world. The smell of chlorine wafts up from the water below and enters my lungs. I could fight this or I could surrender.
Taking a deep breath, I lurch forward as gravity grabs my body and pulls me down with his strong hands. I travel through the air with such velocity that everything blurs away. Powerless.
I slice the water and journey deep into the blue. And I keep on going, further than I have ever been before.
As much as we would like, there are some things we just can't control. Whether it be love, life or everything in between, once we let go and surrender, we open ourselves up to exciting new possibilities.
Sometimes, we don't get what we want. But we always get what we need.
Did you really do it? I can't remember ever having gone off a board. I must have, but certainly not a high one. Maybe I need to have hair to smooth out of my eyes (must be nice)...
ReplyDeleteOf course, all I've done through much of my life has been to figuratively go off the high board. I guess I skipped the first step.
Good for you!
Hey Mitch, yes I really did! I'm scared of heights too so it meant a lot to me. You could always smooth your eyebrows...That works just as well for dramatic purposes. I admire your approach to life. Sometimes, the only way to feel alive is to just jump off that high board.
ReplyDelete:-)
Oh the nerves, the nerves; the mysteries of this machine called "Man"!
ReplyDeleteOh the little that unhinges it: poor creatures that we are!
— Charles Dickens
Mr Dickens said it so eloquently! That's very profound indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that beautiful piece of writing :-)
Have a great evening.
Congratulations Jeff! I could feel your trepidation! But you did it! What's next? Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI love the expression you used "slice the water". That makes you a very good diver I guess. I usually crush and smash the water when I dive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your views on life. I agree. Once we see our hands are tied, all we can do is surrender and let things happen.
Thanks Jim! I lived to tell the tale...hahaha. I won't be bungee jumping any time soon though.
ReplyDeleteHey Jay. Crushing and smashing the water sounds painful :-) We've all been there though, haven't we!