On our transition from Zimbabwe to Botswana, we stopped by Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. While there, I decided to jump off a bridge.
It’s completely safe. You jump 111 meters straight down. They harness you up. They tell you where to hold on. They tell you not to let go. They tell you not to hesitate. Of course you ask if anyone has ever died. The crew smiles and responds, “Never.” For a split second you think, “Just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it can’t.”
The moment before is hard. That second right before full commitment. Standing on the edge and saying yes.
Then the moment after. The moment you can’t take back. You are diving into your yes. There’s no time to think, just a time to fully accept your choice.
That moment of free-falling is a moment of complete abandonment. You are completely helpless. You’ve abandoned all your control. And it’s completely freeing.
But my favorite part is when the rope finally tightens, you’re jolted back to reality, and you’re now swinging. The relief that all the decision-making is over. The anxious anticipation of the free-fall is gone. Often times the reality of what you’ve experienced can’t be appreciated until the time has passed. Your mind is working again. You can enjoy where your yes has brought you. Swinging through the gorge of Victoria Falls with all it’s beauty surrounding you. A view you couldn’t get any other way except jumping off a bridge.
