The Other Side of Fear is Freedom

The Importance of Facing our Greatest Fears

Have you ever contemplated going on a thrill-seeking adventure, but refrained because you didn’t know how to confront your fears? Well, don’t worry because here I’ll be going over some activities you can do to overcome your apprehensions and some safety tips that can help guide you.

One of the most paramount safety tips I can give you, is making sure you do these activities through trusted companies and businesses. Although this might involve a higher expenditure, that extra cost might just save your life! When doing such adventures and possibly perilous activities, it’s always best to be reassured, knowing that you will be safe at all times. Bigger companies focus most on safety since they’re more reputable. This is always going to be the most important step when planning out these activities. 

10 - Roller Coaster:

One of the most underappreciated activities, in my opinion, is theme park roller coasters. I know many people are afraid of the daunting twists, turns, and loops that roller coasters take you through in a span of seconds, but facing that fear can really give you perspective. My safety advice for you, is to make sure you go to more prominent theme parks that are known for ensuring visitors safety. Some established parks are Disney Land, Six Flags, Universal Studios, and Great America. From experience, these theme parks do focus on safety as well as making sure the rides are exciting! 

9 - Treetop Rope Courses & Ziplining 

An activity that tests you physically and mentally is a treetop rope course, while being high up in trees you will be challenged to complete different levels of escalating obstacles and ziplining courses. Daring to take a leap or walk through a rope bridge is always more fun with a friend, so definitely bring someone! 

8 - Indoor Skydiving: 

Not prepared to jump out of a plane just yet? Well, do not fret, because you can take that first step by doing an alternative activity, indoor skydiving. Although the two activities themselves differ, indoor skydiving gets you used to the sensation of wind pushing against you and being able to glide across the air. There will always be a person accompanying and supporting you while being in a closed tube-shaped room, so no need to worry about all of the what-ifs of actual skydiving yet. This is a family-friendly activity since it can be done starting from the age of three, so definitely bring your kids!

7 - Parasailing: 

Parasailing is a very safe activity. The way it works is you’re strapped to a parachute which is connected to a boat, and while being high up in the air you get to see the most picturesque views. Nature from all vantage points and many different forms and hues. From personal experience, parasailing is a pretty low-key activity and it really is worth all the awe-inspiring views! 

6 - Snorkeling: 

Snorkeling is another activity in which you get to encounter many stunning views, except this time in the water. When you snorkel, you have goggles attached to a small breathing tube. It is advisable to wear a life jacket because it can become hard to float for such a long period of time. When participating in this activity, you are effortlessly gliding through still water and get to explore many different kinds of fish, corals, and plants. When I first laid eyes on what was below the ocean’s surface, I was so mesmerized. The view of all the vividly-colored fish swimming through the clear water and other sea animals making their way through the colorful coral and plants was so captivating that I didn’t even want to blink. 

5 - Paragliding 

Although paragliding and parasailing may sound similar, I assure you that they are very different activities. The main difference with paragliding is that there is no boat involved, but rather you are with a trained professional, and they control the parachute according to the wind and ensure your safety by strapping equipment, keeping you both connected at all times. All you have to do is relax and enjoy all of the wonderful sights from mountains and hills to clouds resting amongst the sky, moving slightly when the wind pushes them. Paragliding is a relatively stress-free activity, and you are ensured safety since there is a professional accompanying you!

4 - Scuba Diving

Scuba diving allows you to delve into the depths of these wonderful animals and plants closely. Unlike snorkeling, when scuba diving it is mandatory that you carry an oxygen tank with you, have the proper attire, and always remain with a group. Since you will be deeper down in the ocean and will not be able to come up for breaths, oxygen tanks are mandatory. It is also important to stay with a group in case of an emergency. I know that all of this information may cause fear, but there is nothing to worry about, as long as you do it through a trusted company. While scuba diving, it almost feels surreal, you could simply reach your hand out and feel so many different feels all at once, the bubbles that form around your hand when you swirl it around are almost hypnotic. It truly is an amazing way to explore the world beneath the waves. A couple of notes about this activity is that I would like you all to keep in mind that it is important to maintain a respectful distance from the animals and plants, do not touch them by any means, or try to destroy their delicate structures. It’s also worth noting that you must be at least ten years old to participate in this activity. 

3 - River Rafting 

River rafting is a high-thrill activity! When participating, you are in a boat or raft and have to work with a team to navigate the twists and turns of the strong currents and rapids of the rivers. While on the boat you have a life jacket as well as a paddle. You will have to have effective communication and precise coordination with your team, so you can all make it through the currents safely, with no one falling off. The vital tip to not falling off of the raft is to make sure your feet are secured and also listen to any safety tips or guidelines that the guides mention. The best part is to enjoy the exhilarating feeling of the intense currents pushing against your boat, (almost like a really bumpy roller coaster) and allow the water to soak you from head to toe. 

2 - Bungee Jumping 

Bungee jumping is known as one of the most terrifying and intimidating activities to undertake, most people may not get to experience this in a lifetime because of the fear that’s driving them. Bungee jumping is an activity in which you have a long rope or cord that is connected to safety equipment that you have on you, then you are to jump from a tall surface and bounce, following the way the cord moves up and down. Although this may sound frightening, being able to think about the positive when doing this makes that initial moment seem less worrisome, an example of this could be taking a glimpse of the scenic landscape around you!

1 - Skydiving 

Skydiving is regarded as one of the most daring activities that only a few choose to venture into. Something most people don’t know is that it can be more enjoyable than terrifying. Skydiving is an activity where you are strapped with a professional, who carries a parachute on their back, the two of you jump out of the plane and then soar across the sky, thousands of feet from the air. Yes, I do know how it sounds, but truthfully it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and being able to see an area from that vantage point is breathtaking and one of a kind. When you’re normally on the ground, you see every little component individually, (trees, buildings, and other landforms,) but being thousands of feet up in the air gives you an advantage like no other and you get to see everything come together as a whole, which is definitely something you don’t get to experience very often!

Conclusion

Reflecting on all of these activities, what’s the common theme here? Something became evident to me while doing these activities, you always are immersed in a marvelous view of nature. All of these activities also teach us that in order to gain new insights and lessons, you have to be able to step out of your shell and give something new a shot. The small details of nature interconnect to create something as beautiful as what you see when you're soaring thousands of feet up in the air or diving into the majestic depths of the ocean. Some of the small actions we take lean towards a big picture or idea, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed or lost, maybe even scared. Taking that step to build up the courage to experience one of these activities can help you regain your way of seeing things, and that can lead you toward becoming or creating something grander. 

*THIS POST ISN’T TO ENABLE YOU TO DO ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES, BUT RATHER TO SPREAD POSITIVITY AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!