Growing up I always considered myself someone who was up for anything.
Horse back riding – check
Para sailing – check
Bunji jumping in Thailand – check
But as I’ve gotten older, responsibilities have taken shape
and I don’t always feel as though I can “let go”
I have small children at home that need me
that watch me
I need to make adult decisions that will set them on the right pace for life.
What if they see Mommy + Daddy living on the edge,
what does that tell them?
But you know what’s happened over time?
That feeling of needing to be responsible, logical and overly careful
has begun to weigh down my life.
Lately I’ve felt as if every decision I have to make
everything I have to do
Has made me feel strained.
And the enemy
Oy, the enemy has been trying to make me feel bad for my accomplishments
Try to hide them
Make me feel as though I need to second guess myself
I knew we had a weekend getaway planned in Utah coming up.
I was looking forward to getting away
Relaxing
Not working…
Spending some time enjoying life.
I was even looking forward to getting to wear fall clothes.
I’m a boots kind of girl, for sure!
Kyle began talking about skydiving over a week before we left
like he was priming me for this activity so I would mentally be ready
I wasn’t.
I had no plans to go!
Being the loving wife I am, I was going to watch the view from the group, all the while making sure our life insurance policy covered this craziness.
Even on the morning of the jump, I had no plans to go.
As we drove to the Ogden Airport,
I began rethinking my decision not to go.
I thought about the last time I let loose and did something fun + out of my comfort zone.
We talked casually as we filled out the paperwork.
Enjoyed chatting with the skydiving staff as we waited for our turn.
Held it together as they began tightening the harness.
The next thing I knew we were off!
The view from the plane was incredible!!!
I could see Utah, Idaho + Nevada from the air.
It was breath taking.
I was surprisingly calm.
Then the door opened. People began to jump.
At this point, I realized I was going to be the last one to jump.
Ahhhhhhh!!!
Before I knew it I was at the edge of the plane and back flipping through the air.
It was incredible!!!
By the time we safely landed on the ground, I felt more exhilarated that I had felt in a long time.
It made me feel like if I could accomplish this, I could accomplish anything.
I know it’s might sound crazy, but maybe God knew I needed to do this.
Maybe He used it to teach me that through Him + with Him all things are possible.
So I’m going to stop listening to the enemy.
Stop apologizing for the business opportunities God has given me.
Start embracing life to the fullest.
What are you embracing today?
P.S. I included a video of our jump if you want to see it. Our kids have had it on repeat since we got home! They’ve decided it’s “so cool” and they want to jump out of a jet and fly like a bird. #holdme
Ko says
Girl you are wild!!!! So proud of you. For now though I’ll just keep cheering you on with my feet firmly planted on the ground 😉 You rock!
Salena Lee @ A Little Piece of Me says
You are so brave! My mom and my aunty have gone sky diving before and I think they are ca-ray-zee!! Lol. I’m so happy for you that you had experience. God always works in crazy ways. I love hearing about all your success, keep going for it and embrace it all. After all, God is the one leading you. =) Thanks for sharing and always being an inspiration. xoxo
Helen says
That is so awesome! Always wanted to do this. Good on you for just letting go 🙂
Bree says
You are so brave!! Oh my word. lol. Yayy!!
Rachel says
I went in college. It was really cool. I think about maybe doing it again someday, buy hubby is NOT on board! Funny I would do this before bungee jumping any day, to me that is totally crazy! Glad you went and found what you need 🙂
Rachel
Ashley @ Yeah We Bake says
Oh, Alissa! I’m so proud of you. I’m sure this experience only strengthened the bond you and Kyle share, which was so apparent at K&J’s wedding. I know I mentioned the baking blog I was working on with my best friend and we officially launched it today! I would love for you to stop by and let me know what you think.
Have a great Wednesday,
Ashley
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
That is SOOOOO cool! Good for you girl! 🙂
Nicole says
I had butterflies the entire time I watched that video! Now I want to go do that!
I totally understand you in this post- I feel like I am that person right now, or for the past several years. The wife, new mom who needs to be the one to make serious decisions and be practical and safe. But a long the way I’ve lost a part of me in that. And even though I know life is out of my control- it’s hard to let go. I’m so glad you got to experience this and found a piece of what you had forgotten. Proud of you friend! Maybe I should go do something adventurous like this, wanna come???
LOVE YOU and your heart! xo
Mackenzie says
Loved the message of your post Alissa. I especially loved when you said “So I’m going to stop listening to the enemy.” It’s something we all struggle with; thank you for putting it so simply and beautifully.
Lauren says
Ahh, I want to go so bad…but I’m so chicken! Love the video…so cool!
Andrea Worley says
oh my goodness! you are so brave. i’m afraid of heights, and i would just think of all the things that could go wrong, etc.
kendra @ A Proverbs 31 Wife says
I am soooo jealous! I have wanted to sky dive since I was a teen. Who knows if it will ever happen or not, but it was fun to see your experience 🙂
aimymichelle says
that is crazy i could never do it!