Conquering my fear – stepping off the ledge.

I have a fear of heights – also known as Acrophobia. When I near an edge – my body reacts instinctively – I plant my feet, dig in. I feel the invisible hand pushing me towards the edge.

I dig in some more. My throat swells and it’s hard to swallow. I lean my body away from the edge – I think the earth will swallow me whole if I make eye contact with its core.

I reposition my feet, dig in some more and hold my position steady. I feel sick to my stomach. I extend my arms in a false promise of adding equilibrium to my stance.

This is what happens to me. Every time. No exceptions. Even in my dreams. I dig in.

Many of you know this unrelenting grip – fear is holding you down, holding you back. Maybe it’s a fear of heights, snakes, public speaking, or perhaps it’s driving a car or flying on an airplane.

Fear is fear. It comes in all forms, shapes and sizes. It does not discriminate.

It’s not always rational. But it is very real.

It took every ounce of courage I could muster to face my fear of heights. I had to dig deep for it.

I was going to Zipline across the Steady Brook Falls at Marble Mountain in Steady Brook, Newfoundland.

I’ve driven by it a thousand times. Never giving it any real attention beyond a simple glance. It was different this time. The impending event had taken up space in my mind and there was no denying what was coming.

The Deep Water Gorge and Waterfalls are a natural beauty that will attract its rightful attention from any passerby. The Gorge itself is breathtaking – a natural wonder carved in a mountain.  A chiselled masterpiece a million years in the making on full display a mere 400 feet from my existence.

I wondered if the Gorge sensed my fear, and was nudging me to give in. Give up.

I didn’t. Not that time.  I’ve already bought my ticket.

I saw people on the green wooden platform. It is cemented into the mountain. I envisioned myself among them. Standing together on that platform – relieved, elated, exhausted.  

On that fateful day, my fear was real – my body responded as expected and right on cue. The difference on this day – I did not submit to it. I didn’t allow it to make a claim.

It was my turn to step off the ledge.

I checked and rechecked my safety gear. With legs unsteady, and a pulse that I’m sure matched the speed of irrational thoughts racing in my mind, I made my peace and stepped off the ledge. With the safety of the platform growing in distance behind me – now only tethered to a cable stretching the span – I soared across the Gorge, 280 feet above the ground, and 1000 feet across the Falls.

It was epic in every way. The view. The sounds. The roar of the Falls and its mist on my face.

When I landed on the receiving platform, I had to pry my fingers from its fierce grip on my harness. My white knuckles welcomed the return of blood flow, restoring colour. My legs were shaking and bouncing from the deluxe combo of muscle tension and adrenaline. It took me a minute to compose myself while giggling with free-flowing tears. I did it.

Claiming my rightful place on that platform, I felt all of it – relieved, elated, and exhausted.

I had done something I never thought I was capable of. I walked to the edge. I surrendered my fear and stepped off.

Not only did I face my fear – I soared through it. It has earned a coveted spot on the top of my list for ‘stuff I’ve done that I am most proud of.’

For many, Ziplining is just a regular event. For me, it was life-changing. It is the scariest thing I have ever done. My fear – I conquered it. I did not give in, or give up.

Knowing that if I can push past my fear of heights – this sickening all-consuming fear – and step off the ledge, I can do anything I set my mind to. I even returned to the Zipline the following year and experienced it with my dad. An epic father-daughter moment.

My fear of heights still exists. I suspect I will always feel the invisible hand pushing me towards the edge as I dig in and hold my stance. Controlling the fear and knowing I have the courage to push past it, is what matters most.

What is your biggest fear? Is it holding you back?

If so, what can you do this year to conquer it and claim your rightful spot on the other side?

It’s worth it. You’re worth it too.

With much and continued gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole