Even The Crazy Ones

So, I did it. And yet I can’t explain why. All I know is that I have wanted to skydive since I was in high school. I am turning 65 this month and feel the clock ticking in so many ways.  Perhaps it’s about wanting and needing to check this off my bucket list. Life’s too short, no regrets, fish or cut bait and all that. Anyway, I did it. Am I glad I did? Yes. Would I do it again? Nope. And I must say I am so glad I didn’t wait until I was any older – jumping out of an airplane is not for wimps!

Aside from the adrenaline rush and the feel good endorphins that come from achieving a life long goal, I have an unforgettable memory to look back on.  Interestingly, what seems to have stuck with me is not about the thrill of my view at 13,000 feet or the actual experience itself, but what is burned into my memory are the vivid photos of me doing this hard thing.

Some pictures made me laugh out loud; “Up in the air, junior birdman!” And as you can see, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut! Other photos are eye opening and some are embarrassing as I see myself as a crazy old wrinkled old woman with years of flab flapping in the wind. Some pictures I am willing to share, others I’ll keep to myself. Forever.

I knew I would write about this experience and I am wondering if part of my motivation was the opportunity to get a cool photograph to share to show the world I did it, just like I said I would. To show that I am brave, I never give up, and that I reach my goals. 

I always want to set a positive example and remind people that all dreams, even the crazy ones, can come true. I want to make my family proud and to impress my grandkids. And I hope that sharing my experience will inspire anyone who needs a little kick in the seat to move forward, to revisit and revive old, forgotten dreams and to set and achieve new goals. Life is short and as Gandalf from Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring teaches us “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

My challenge for you is to make the most of your time. Take a step forward towards something that matters to you, make the call, schedule the appointment, have the hard conversation you have been avoiding, reach out, forgive, make the move, do it, buy it, change it. You know where you are and what you want and need to do to live your best life. Your clock is ticking too. So, “Up in the air, junior birdman!”