5 Things I Learned From Skydiving

I'm braver than I thought. On all of the jumps I've done, there was fear. You need to check your pulse if you're not at least a little scared. But I didn't let it overwhelm me. I was able to relax, enjoy myself, and the experience.

The unknown often brings about feelings of alarm. Many people are surprised to learn that these feelings of alarm are actually a direct path to positive personal development. When you let go of control and actively face fear, you will be able to finally understand what fear really means. Fear can be what holds you back, or it can be what helps to set you free. Skydiving may push you to the limit of your comfort zone, but the reward is well worth it.

The act of getting in a plane, flying to 13,500 feet, bringing yourself to exit the plane, freefall, and then opening a parachute will always blow my mind. I can see myself doing this for as long as I possibly can. It's the most fun that you can have with clothes on. Many skydivers talk about the addiction to the euphoria you feel and I understand what they mean. My instructor has completed 7,000 + jumps.

When you see the world from 13,500 feet while you're hurtling towards the Earth at 120 mph, you see the world from a different perspective. Sure, if you've ever flown in a plane, you can see the world from a similar perspective, but it won't be as memorable as a skydive. At these altitudes, everything comes into perspective a bit more clearly. The view of the land miniaturized but somehow so vast beneath you helps to remind you of the grandeur of the world and allows you to take comfort in the duality of it all: the great is small. But it isn’t just the altitude that is helping you to see the world differently and adding a bit of clarity to your perspective. Tandem skydiving is an exercise of trust. Trust in yourself and trust in your instructor. It really is a beautiful reminder of the bond we all share.

Self-assessment is a psychological process whereby an individual begins to assess aspects that are important to their identity. Studies in social psychology have revealed that often when people practice self-assessment their primary concern is to determine if their self-view is accurate. Maybe it is time you finally learn just who you are?

Maybe you have been a wallflower for a while; maybe you have always been the timid one; maybe you have often been the person to bow your head and throw in the towel early. Ever wonder if there is something a bit more beneath the surface? Do you wonder if within you is someone a bit bolder? We are betting that there is. Skydiving is life changing because you can finally meet the empowered you that has been lying dormant. By taming your feelings of trepidation, you are able to see just how strong you can be.

The nerve you muster to jump from a plane is not going to be an isolated reaction. Skydiving is an experience that will help you to harness courage. Soon you will see the same capacity for courage spilling over into other areas of your life. If you’ve been able to jump from a plane, asking your boss for the raise you deserve doesn’t seem like such a big deal, now does it? Walking up to the beautiful woman isn't so intimidating anymore, is it?