Skydiving for the First Time:
Staring Death in the Face

Bucket list? Check! Last Saturday I finally achieved a personal goal that I have pined after for years. I jumped out [Correction – I was thrown out] of an airplane flying at over 14,000 feet!

I wish I had words to accurately described the intense fear of death that I felt while skydiving for the first time, but sadly all I have is this amazing video and a few mind-blowing pictures.

Why?!

Though it may seem obvious, I think it’s only appropriate to describe exactly why I thought this activity was worth it.

I’m not an adrenaline junky and I don’t have a death wish. So, why pay hundreds of dollars and risk everything for a short thrill?

Life Is a Story

First, this is all about telling a great story. I want my life to have meaning, and part of that meaning is the telling of personal stories that others can learn from – including myself.

As I was driving home from the skydive I kept mentally re-living every scary moment and laughing out loud. I was still very high on adrenaline and I couldn’t quite grasp what I had just done.

I knew this was a story I would be telling many people for the rest of my life. Realizing the enormity of that kind of event was hysterical and incredibly fulfilling.

Fear is Fear is Fear

Secondly, it doesn’t matter what scares you. When you intentionally face any fear and overcome it, you grow. You get better, stronger, and wiser.

Facing fear – any fear – makes you more likely to face other fears in the future. Skydiving is no different from public speaking, spiders, or dirty needles – all of them are scary in their own way.

The difference is that when you take fear head-on and demolish it, you are better for it, and more likely to overcome other fears in the future.

That same day as my skydive my wife and I attended the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville and I watched thousands of people on rickety old carnival rides.

What was I thinking?

“Oh, come on! That’s nothing. Have you tried skydiving today?”

Many people go through life avoiding fear (including me). One of the biggest distinctions between people who achieve their dreams and everyone else is the willingness to act in spite of fear.

This was a rare day – one that I hope to repeat many times for many different reasons in the future.

Firsthand Experience

Before the skydive I was asked by dozens of people if I was ready. Everyone wanted to know if I was nervous, scared, or excited. Well . . . yes, yes, and yes.

On the day of the jump I was more nervous than I can remember being – ever – for any reason.

On the plane ride up to 14,000 feet I couldn’t talk, my hands were sweating profusely, and I was certain that it was my last day on earth.

In the moment, as I approached the back of the plane, I knew that this is what it means to experience something firsthand.

This was the most tangible version of fear I had faced in a long, long time.

That’s powerful.

Soooo . . . HOW WAS IT?!

The first question I was asked immediately after the jump was how was it, dude? To which I responded, “I have no words. It was just so intense! Everything about it was just ridiculous and awesome.“

The second question, would I do it again? And I said, “Of course! And I’ll actually enjoy it next time!“

The actual experience was totally mind-boggling. The G-forces are unbelievable. The wind is more intense than anything you have ever felt. The parachute ride down is extraordinarily freaky.

The earth is bigger and more beautiful than in any other scenario I can imagine (expect a view from space, but this was close).

Ready to Try it For Yourself?

In all honesty, despite the money, the time, the incredible fear, and the obvious possibility of death . . . I think you will love it!

Seriously, IT IS THAT AWESOME!

Once again, I wish I had words to accurately describe what this feels like, but I don’t. This is something you have to experience for yourself.

Trust me, it’s worth it.