The Leap

I was scared of heights. Terrified, actually. Couldn't stand on a balcony without my knees buckling.\n\nSo naturally, I signed up for a skydiving class.\n\n"Why would you do that?" my friend asked.\n\n"Because I'm tired of being afraid."\n\nThe morning of the jump, I almost didn't show up. I sat in the parking lot for twenty minutes, arguing with myself.\n\nI got on the plane. I tried not to look down.\n\nAt 14,000 feet, the door opened. Wind roared. People jumped.\n\nThen it was my turn. I stood at the edge, frozen.\n\nThe instructor said: "Fear is just excitement without the breath."\n\nI took a breath. And I jumped.\n\nThe fall was terrifying and beautiful. The parachute opened. I floated. I saw the world from a perspective that changed me forever.\n\nI landed safely. Kissed the ground. And signed up for another jump.\n\nFear doesn't go away. But you learn to jump anyway.