We visited an amusement park. As much as the huge, fancy rides excited me, they also led to a pit in my stomach. I was on the fence because, yes, I am fearless, but I have not done this in years. Will I be able to handle the adrenaline rush?
While I did smaller roller coasters and swings, a heavily promoted ‘Slingshot’ ride, placed right in the centre like a solitaire on the queen’s crown, kept attracting my attention.
I was watching the demeanour of those waiting in the queue in awe, and I was trying to catch a glimpse of those who were coming out after having done the ride, to check whether they were OK.
All this time, my mind kept telling me, “This is not for you. Forget it.” But the heart said, “If not now, then when? You want to bungee jump and skydive, and here you are, scared of a ride in an amusement park. C’mon, you should do it.”
My friend wanted to do it, so I accompanied her, thinking to myself, “I will see her board and move towards the exit.” She told me, “Why are you wasting your time? I will meet you ahead.” I said, “Never mind, I want to see the ride up and close.”
We reached the end of the queue. They were allowing five people inside at a time. The attendant released the chain. I hesitated, but she, unaware of my intentions, pointed towards the queue and made a strong gesture asking me to hurry.
Once inside, I was the first one in line to board the ride. The irritated attendant, again oblivious to my lostness, gestured that I should board faster. Suddenly, something changed inside me, and my feet were drawn towards the ride.
I sat, the other four sat, the dramatic countdown began, the ride started, and we were shot in the sling. The ride lasted less than a minute, but it changed me forever. Suddenly, the world became a possibility, because I lived my word of being fearless.
My call to everyone reading this is to try every new experience that comes your way. You never know what it has in store for you.