Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Facing My Fears


I did a little hiking this weekend, but I cheated a bit.  My ankle has been bothering my thanks to long days running circles in a warehouse with cement floors.  So while I wanted to hike, I knew I needed to take it easy so I could get through the next 4 weeks in the warehouse.  I'd chosen to go to Natural Arch and heard there was a tram you could take most of the way up.


I pulled in bought my ticket and got on without thinking about it.  It wasn't until I was fastened in and on the way up that I remembered trams/chair lifts scare me silly.  Just as I started to get nervous, I caught sight of just how far up I was going and how steep the climb was.  It was at this point I really started to get shaky.  I took a bunch of pictures trying to keep my mind off things.  It helped a little, as did taking some deep breaths and trying to take in quiet peace that comes for me when I'm surrounded by nature.


I finally made it to the top and tried to put the ride behind me as I enjoyed my beautiful surroundings.  The view was absolutely worth the fear, even when I got back on and started down.  The experience made me stop to wonder how often my fears stop me from doing things I really want to do and would enjoy if I could just push past the fear.  Maybe I should leap without looking more often and stop analyzing things so much, the experience may be worth those moments of fear.

I know when most people think Fleetwood Mac they immediately think of Stevie Nicks, but you can't forget Lindsay Buckingham, the angst in his voice does it for me.
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16 comments:

Diana Joy said...

Your thoughts of fears holding us back are so true. Congrats to you for tackling one of yours. As a parent I have had to be careful not to be a 'Debbie Downer' to my children because of My fears. Wear good shoes on that concrete. Ouch.

Justine said...

Nope! can't do it! glad you faced your fears, well done.

Ashley Sisk said...

Congrats on facing your fears...I mean, how else are you supposed to snap these shots?

urban muser said...

those trams kind of freak me out too. i am glad your camera was there to provide comfort and distraction :)

Marcie said...

Somehow going down in that chairlift looks scarier to me than does the going up. Sounds like it was definitely worthwhile!

Unknown said...

Congrats on facing the fear and on the great snaps.

R Montalban said...

I know exactly what you mean, and facing your fear does make you feel alive even though it is scary. I have a huge smile for you and share in your joy.

Joanne said...

I sooooooo want to travel with you....

blue elephant photography said...

wow the view is so awesome! i wanna go travel with you too! i love landslide from fleetwood mac and the smashing pumpkins version =)

~kiMbeRLy~ said...

i kinda have this new urge to overcome my fears. like it will give me a new freedom. way to go!

Anonymous said...

I have exactly that same fear of heights. I've overcome it on occasion to get somewhere special, but it continues to freak me out!

Amy @ Lucky Number 13 said...

good for you! that was so worth those pictures, very cool. ahhh...and fleetwood mac, one of my very favorites!

Simon said...

Blowing past your fear was worth it. Love the images you captured! Fear is a nasty beast-thanks for reminding me to "stretch beyond" now and then. It always seems to be worth it.

Maureen said...

You are so right about facing our fears. Very worth it for the self growth that normally comes from the experience. Wonderful post Jamie
♥ maureen

Ms. Becky said...

Jamie I love this post. That steep climb would have frighten me too as I'm ridiculously fearful of heights. A long time ago I determined to tackle something fearful by climbing to the top of our corn crib on the farm, something I, as a child, had failed to achieve for years and years.
One day I actually did it! My hands were so sweaty and I believe I stopped breathing for a spell, but I did it! I'm talking about an inside climb here, the ladder was inside the corn crib, but a climb all the same to me. For years that ladder held a spell over me, one that could only be broken by ignoring my fear and going for it.
These things we do for growth are amazingly beautiful after all, don't you think?
thanks for your support and encouragement Jamie. It means the world to me.

A Box of Chocolates said...

I am terrified of heights, actually i should say I was, but recently I have been on a ledge (enclosed) of an 88 floor tower and didn't even raise a sweat, and on the very top of the highest mountain in Europe Mt. Blanc and I loved it, we can do it girl Yeah!!!!!

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