A Ziplining Lesson

Recently, I went on a work trip.

Part of the trip took us to Y.S. Falls where I tried 5 ziplines for the first time. Like any first experience of that active nature, I didn’t quite know how to feel but as the experience continued, I picked up a couple lessons on the way.

Before we could start, we were locked into the relevant gear including helmets. As we stood waiting for all our team members to be geared up, we had a couple of persons who had done it already and they were the ones who tried to alleviate some of our fears. However, in talking, these were the ones who made facing the experience even more fearful.My level of fear was slowing vamping up as I stood listening. I realised then that whilst God has not given me a spirit of fear, fear could be found within the uncertainty of excelling at the unknown and from external factors like well-meaning individuals. At that point I stopped listening and told myself that I could do it.

The walk to the first zipline was long especially since I haven’t done any exercise in months. Again I found myself wavering as my lungs struggled for air and my knees protested and threatened to buckle. Just when I was about to give in to my wavering mind and protesting body, I reached the top and it was beautiful! From this experience, another lesson emerged. The hardest step to fulfilling your dream is the preparation stage to beginning. Sometimes everything will seem to be against you as you try to put things in place. You may even consider giving up but if you hold out, your destination (starting point) will be incredibly beautiful. With everything in place, you will be filled with an incredible pride and satisfaction as you stand on the brink of conquering the world.

My first and second zipline was exhilarating yet really heart and belly dropping. At first I was anxious about falling or even stopping in the middle of the line but the young men assured me that they would be there to catch me. I screamed all the way across them and proclaimed that I was having a heart attack more than once. My legs didn’t feel like they could hold me up either but the strange thing is despite my doubts, they did and everything was ok. No matter how dire the situation may become while you are chasing your dream, believe in yourself. Eventually you will get to zipline three, four and five where you are now screaming because you are enjoying yourself! And you know what? Even if you fall, God will always ensure you are picked up.

You can find your niche. You can fulfill your dreams.

You just have to get past your fears, the preparation stage and the first and second stages of doubt and uncertainty. Keep your chin up! You were born to win! You were born to soar!