The last time I thought I was legitimately going to die was in college when I went downhill skiing for the first (and last) time. I had never been but was in love with a guy who did ski and thought it would bring us closer together to go with him. Clearly, this did not work out, but I vividly remember going down the slopes thinking, “holy f*cking hell I’m going to die. DIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE.”
Fortunately, I didn’t, but I was glad I could say I tried it, because it sure as f*ck wasn’t happening again.
This weekend, I had a similar experience, this time, involving a trapeze.
Yes, a trapeze. After watching a lesson and seeing a Groupon for one, I decided to face my fear of heights and control issues head on (and 27 feet up).
How did it go? Um…fine. But I think the only thing I do worse than trapeze, is ice skate. And I’m really, really awful at that.
Whenever I face my fears, I have one of two reactions: no fear (hot air balloon) or a crippling fear that leads to tears (trapeze.)
Yes, the first two swings, I nearly hyperventilated in to an anxiety attack and then cried the minute I landed safely on the ground. I’m so glad friends were not there to watch (sorry Nic.)
While I was humiliated by the way my body reacted to these fears, all was not lost. I did a total of six swings and while the fear never totally went away, I could get myself up to the platform and jump off when it was time. I count that as a victory.
And I woke up this morning bruised and hurting in places I didn’t know could hurt. The level of agony I feel is awful! But the experience was worth it and I’m glad to say I tried it.
I don’t think I’ll do another lesson, but it reminded me what real fear feels like :)
Oh and a side note to Brian the “catcher” during my lesson. I’ll see you in my dreams handsome.
How was your weekend?
I’m impressed that you did it! Don’t worry about your reaction — I’m willing to bet most of us would be the same or worse.
aw at least you tried friend! i have a horrible fear of heights too and i’m not sure how that would go for me. also I AM SO AWFUL AT ICE SKATING!!! yes the caps lock is necessary to reaffirm why we are friends, haha. love it.
I’d love to try trapeze! But I’m a bit afraid of heights so i don’t know if i could be that high off the ground!
Don’t think of it as failing–think of it as successfully crossing a possibility off of your list of potential future careers!
Go you for trying even though you were scared!
I did a circus arts class earlier this summer, and it was fun but so hard! I have zero upper body strength, so that made things a bit tough. We got to try trapeze (but it was less than 7 feet off the ground), which was a lot harder to do than I thought it would be. Plus my feet cramp up really easily, so standing on the bar of it didn’t work too well for me.
Dude! I’m super proud of you for trying!! Now, go nurse your sore muscles with a massage! You deserve it.
Good for you for trying something scary that you weren’t sure you’d be good at! I tend to shy away from things I don’t think I’ll be good at (darn perfectionist tendencies) but I bet we miss out on a lot of experiences that way.
i tried that a few weeks ago and it was sooo terrifying! i don’t even have a fear of heights in it still really freaked me out but i also thought it was super exhilarating! i was also sore for about a week! good for you for giving it a whirl!
I’m very impressed that you gave trapeze a try! Now that is something most people can’t say that they have done, especially when they are scared of heights. Awesome!
I’m with you on the ice skating. Basically anything that involves me staying upright on things smaller than my feet, I fail at spectacularly. My attempt at rollerblading in college resulting in me flying ass over teakettle into a flowerbed. The skates came off and went directly into the dumpster and I limped home barefoot. At least falling while ice skating I had an instant ice pack.
I’ve been wanting to try this trapeze / circus place in SF, but haven’t brought myself to it. If there’s a Groupon, I might. Just once.
You know what? You’re awesome for giving it a try! Facing our fears is challenging but exhilarating and shows us what we’re made of! Admirable! It’s what I like to call going in Awesomely Unprepared (hehe)
My weekend was fairly laidback! On Friday I woke up and decided to take a roadtrip to a favourite childhood holiday destination (only 1.5hrs drive away). We ate fish and chips at the beach, soaked up the sunshine and walked along the jetty (over a mile round trip)!
Then we had icecream of course :)
x
There’s a trapeze place here in Seattle that I’ve been wanting to try, but I also have a fear of heights, and you know, falling a long way to my death. Totally rational, right?
It’s awesome that you got back up there multiple times to do it! Probably didn’t hurt that Brian was cute? ;-)
I still someday want to go sky diving. I love thrill rides and roller coasters, and the adrenaline rush that goes along with all of that. But one thing I will never, ever try is bungee jumping. No way, Jose.