High Ropes

We get a lesson in healthy growing. It's about knowing our comfort zones and as we step out of it, it expands. Then, there is the area in our lives that is too far out of our comfort zone to attempt. It's got to be built upon for it to be safe. So, little by little we step out of our comfort zones until we realize it has grown fairly large.

Now, to the ropes! We walk into the woods. We partner up. We meet the team, learn the equipment, put it on, practice using our equipment on a ground course. We practice walking in it, falling, detaching and attaching the ropes, and walking on the tight rope. I already feel unfamiliar even on the ground... Off to the high ropes!

Sammy is my partner and she wants to go first. Up she goes! I cheer her on. Good job, Sammy... The first step is always the hardest... half way there... you're doing amazing... and she was. Everyone else is excited. I'm nervous. It is sooo high up. The girls all go. They do great. Now for my turn. Glad for all those deer stands I've climbed up into- good practice:). Up to the top. Feeling uncomfortable. I make it up. So high with such a small space. I tell the man "i'm so nervous." He tells me I can sit. No, thanks (doubtful I'd get back up). What do I do? I don't remember his answer, but I went forward. Once I made the first step I got the hang of it. Not so bad. He talked me through the first exchange at the pole. To the tight rope, to the log, the final tight rope, and almost done. But, the last step was a far stretch. I did not want to reach up to the hooks. After a minute of standing, looking at the pole with hesitation, the man slightly extended his hand and made a face that said, "want a hand?" I did not hesitate at all, but gladly took it and pulled myself onto the final platform. He adjusted my ropes for me, told me to wait as he worked on something. Then, he told me it was ready and that some people count to three. That is what I needed to hear. One, two, three... and off down the zipline!

Did I overcome my fear? Nope. I was as afraid as I was rockclimbing, getting stuck on the mountain in Montserrat, and getting near the edge when I go hiking. It was fun and I'm glad I did it. But, still a ways to go before that is in my comfort zone.