Definition: In order for an adventure to be consider a true “mental adventure it must”:
A) A place where the adventurer is in a psychologically uncomfortable situation.
B) It is the threshold that the adventurer has to go through to find a new understanding.
C) It tests the adventurer’s true will power; they must face their fears and challenges.
D) It is a process that the adventurer has to go through; mental adventures can be trial and error before the adventurer’s mind is unraveled from struggles.
The Adventure: Zip-lining.
When? Either on Friday the 16th, Saturday the 17th, or Sunday the 18th of September.
Where? Lake Lanier Canopy tours.
Why Zip-lining?
I have phobia of heights; it gives me a sense of fear and hopelessness (if you fall its game over). Whenever I’m presented in a “high” situation, paranoia strikes me. I have thoughts of the worst possible scenarios that can occur, such as:
- Tripping and falling to my death.
- Someone pushing me off the ledge.
- I accidently walk off and fall.
These scenarios are not likely to happen to me, but I just can’t help thinking of them. The first step towards facing my fear is by going zip-lining. I chose zip-lining because it isn’t too drastic, and it’s a good starting point to conquer my fear of heights. This is also my first time doing something like this. I’m going to be very uncomfortable suspended 70 ft. in the air, and looking down and seeing the “face” of fear. My mind would tell me to look away from it, but I won’t! I’ll stare into the face of fear, and I will tell it to “f—k off”! If I don’t go through with this I’ll never conquer my fear of heights. I don’t want to be a coward who avoids stupid things that he is scared of, and I’ll never be successful if I don’t face my fears (this applies to all fears in general not just heights). Will this adventure cure my fear of heights? Probably not but it will help my mental toughness for further challenges to come. Just one step at a time will help you reach success. I was inspired to write about facing my fears from this quote:
“Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
- Lt. John B. Putnam Jr.
Planning and Preparing:
- I’ll need to get a reservation for the event.
- I’ll need to finish all assignments before the weekend.
- I’ll need to get directions to the event.
- I’ll need to make sure that I don’t work on one of those days.
- I’ll need to mentally prepare myself; I’ll need to tell myself that everything will be okay.
Documenting:
I will take pictures of the facility that I will be zip-lining on, and I will have pictures of me zip-lining (pictures taken by the employees). I’ll also bring a camera to record my reaction before zip-lining then after. I know that I will have a much different perspective of zip-lining after. I’m excited about doing this, and also a little bit nervous. I know that I will have tons of fun as well (hopefully)!
