In my early 20’s I went skydiving. It is one of those experiences I will never forget. I will never forget how scared I felt the entire day leading up to the actual jump. How terrified I felt when that small plane with a roaring engine took off and how paralyzed I felt when they flung open the door and basically pushed each of us out one by one onto the wing and tapped on our tightly clenched knuckles forcing us to let go and fall FAST into the unknown.
I will also never forget the feeling right after the stomach dropping fall when the chute opened. It was one of the most peaceful and gratifying feelings I ever recall experiencing. As you float gently to the ground, seeing for miles in each direction you forget that just 20 seconds earlier you thought you might die. You feel sheer exhilaration, pride in your courage and safe, knowing that everything is turning out well.
2013 has been a year that has brought more than one big jump experiences for me. In the last three months I have jumped out of the corporate world after 20 years, starting my own business and jumped out of a long term relationship that my heart believed would be forever.
My tightly clenched knuckles that were holding on to perceived security have let go and I am in that stomach dropping free fall period.
But I feel strangely at peace because I am choosing trust over fear in my experience of letting go– well most moments and days anyway! In life the one thing no one can ever take from us is our ability to choose. And in my case I have two choices. Choice number one is to go curl up on the bathroom floor and feel scared and sad. Or choice number two is to trust that this is an opportunity to improve my life and ultimately make me more happy and fulfilled. I choose the latter!
If I had not let go of the wing of the plane and experienced some short term discomfort of that free fall, I would have never arrived at that amazing, peaceful, exhilarating, “see for miles” experience. By letting go, I allowed space for something different – something better!
And as I journey through my opportunities to let go this year, I trust my parachute will open!
What are you holding onto that is no longer serving you? By letting go you will create space for something better to come into your life. Fall is the perfect time to let go. Look out your window and watch how easily the trees let go of their leaves. In the spring they will have a new, beautiful, renewed and vibrant beginning. Trust!
Another great post, Diane.
Cheers to new leaves!
Thanks Kelly! Yes – cheers to new beginnings. Diane
Wow…nailed it! So vulnerable, which makes it that much more relatable! Great job Diane!
Corina – thank you for your ongoing encouragement support and love! Diane
So beautifully written Diane! I had a visceral felt sense of the emotions as I read your post. Your awareness, courage and ability to ‘choose’ are inspiring.
Edi – Thank you for your kind words and support as I journey through all of life’s challenges and opportunities. I couldn’t do it without friends like you! xo D
Another article with a great message. Thanks!
Thanks Nancy! Life provides us these great learning opportunities doesn’t it :)
That hit home! Thanks for the reminder and push. I feel like you push me out of the plane when I read you thoughts. It is funny because when we hold on to things we also physically hold on too and when we finally give into trust we physically, emotionally and mentally let go of so much. A good read on a non-trusting day :o)
Well hopefully it is a loving push ;) So glad it helped my friend! xo D