Free Falling

I can’t even begin to explain how deathly afraid I am of falling. It took literally forever to schedule this appointment the moment Rajan had surprised me with a skydiving gift card for my 21st birthday. 3 months and 2 attempts later, I find myself quiet on the long drive to Lompoc, CA at 8am. He could tell I was nervous as I sat in the passenger’s seat nervously awaiting my fait. This was really happening. The clouds had not cleared yet and began to worry that it wasn’t the appropriate weather to do this jump. However, he held my hand, as I clutched my coffee on the other. We reached our destination 3 hours later, filled out paperwork, and got mentored on how to do it. 

My heart was pounding. Thankfully, he and 2 other people would be jumping in the small plane with me. The moment I geared up, my adrenaline took over. Fear was replaced with excitement. I just wanted to go and enjoy the free fall. We crammed into the small plane as I sat in front of Josh, my instructor. He calmly explained how we would be really close and it was as if I was the small spoon and he the big. Excitement kept escalating as we were flying higher and higher. 13,000 feet. a minute and half free fall. Just like that, the door of the plan opened a gust of wind flew into my face. We stepped to the side of the plane and on the count of three pushed off. I looked below me to see the earth in its most natural form. We started counting down. three, two… and we leaped into our fate. A sudden rush of emotions fell upon me. The initial butterfly aspect disappeared and I began to observe nature and the environment as the houses started appearing off the ground. The coast was beautiful. The water with its different blue hues, the brown rustic colored earth underneath me. It was the best thing I have ever done! Let alone, he let me control my parachute… which as absolutely awesome!!! 

To my instructor, Josh. Thank you for taking care of me. 
To the person who presented me with this wonderful opportunity, Rajan. Thank you for helping me overcome my fears. 

Bucket List #14: Go Skydiving.