Soo….
I’m a little scared of heights. OK, more than a little.
So scared in fact, that I was secretly very relieved, the first time I visited Paris, that the weather prevented us from going up the Eiffel Tower.
The second time, the weather was great. And I still didn’t get all the way to the top. There was much cursing, pressing of self against walls, and um, swearing. Yeah.
Not good.
Then, there was the terror-fest that was the ascent to the top of the Arche de la Defense…and the lift got stuck halfway up. Something about too windy to keep going. Or something.
Not good.
But, being who I am, I tend to seek out opportunities to check whether I am getting over this particular fear.
Like visiting the Otway Fly Treetop Walk this weekend. The tour’s pretty clever: you start on the ground, among the undergrowth. Then you ascend to the mid level of the forest, and then, up a tower, the ‘Fly’, to the very top.
Going up was sort-of OK. I could look straight ahead and focus on taking one step at a time.
At the top of the flyway tower. Not quite sure whether I am happy to be there.
But going down?
Not so good.
Because I had to look down.
Have my knuckles gone white?
I tell you what, getting down to the suspended walkway? Felt like being all the way on the ground.
But I climbed that tower, yes I did.
And then, there was the silliness that came from deciding my hoodie’s fur lining made me look like lion. It came out a bit more Little Miss Sunshine than scary lion. Cough.
beware the lion.
the scary lion.
I don’t do something that scares me every single day. I’m not sure my nerves could handle that.
But meeting little challenges like this is a way to practice for the big ones.
Yes?
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I definitely need to do things like this more often…I find that when I try something I’ve been afraid of, it is SO exhilarating!
Nat, what an awesome way to conquer your fear! I like the rewards too…
I hear ya love! had the same experience in Paris – ended up in a crying heap on the Eiffel Tower and had to be almost carried down by hubby…. so much for romance, I just wanted to puke!….I also tackled my fear over the weekend and trekked cradle mountain- the promise of red wine, chocolate and a spa at the end helped
The lion is a very courageous animal!
If slightly silly in these pictures! hehe.
That second picture, where your inner hip is metaphorically glued to the rail? That is me, at work, taking the stairs from the first floor to the second floor (or the second floor down to the first). I will work on higher elevations when *that* doesn’t scare me.
Tori?
That was me in high school. I hated the classes on the third floor! Let me know how you go with see-through ramps in the future…
You make a very cute lion, Nadine. And that place looks amazing! Good for you for “checking in” on your fear.
I have numerous fears, too many to tell you. However, this year I have addressed a major fear – the dentist. Memories of evil dental nurses from school, combined with genetically bad teeth, have made me terrified of the dentist. This year things got so bad [painful] I was forced to go for the first time in nine years. Over several months I had a lot of work done: several fillings, a clean, two teeth reconstructed and two wisdom teeth removed.
While I can’t say I’ll ever look forward to visiting the dentist, my fear is now definitely gone. Early next year, I’ll be making an appointment for my annual check-up. Hooray!
Oh God, Anne-Marie, how I relate. The dentist scare me, too.
Yeesh, I’m starting to sound pretty freaking neurotic, aren’t I? But there is something deeply empowering about going, and getting your teeth all fixed up. I’m good these days, about my checkups. And the dentist told me last time that I’ve taken great care of the gnashes, so no work needed. Yesssss!
how cute is the lion..
D
Good for you, adorable pics! I totally agree. I am terrified of spiders, but last summer I held a tarantula! I was so proud of myself and on a high for weeks…I am pretty sure it was that high that got me through my first half marathon a few months later! Also, I am no longer scared of little spiders around my home…though I would not touch a tarantula in the wild! This summer I am going on a hard-core camping/portaging trip for three days. Way out of my comfort zone, but I know that is good for me! Confronting one’s fears sometimes (maybe not daily!) is certainly an important path to growth!
That is quite, something, Blogger! Spiders aren’t my favourite creatures either…
I totally agree that holding a tarantula paved the way to overcoming bigger challenges! Yay!
Can’t wait to hear how your trip goes
I should change my name…shouldn’t I?
JillWhoFlies, that is MUCH better