... Slide 7 ... 14. Karen and I have been friends since Brownies. Even though she is quirky at times, I knew in my heart that she wouldn’t do anything to put me in danger. 15. The same went for Craig. He had no reason to see me harmed. None of us wanted to chicken out. Slide 8 1. The rational part of my brain won: I decided to allow myself to be terrified, but to keep going. 2. It was decided that Craig would go first so that there was someone on the other side to help catch me. 3. The staff told Craig that it was totally acceptable to scream. He obliged as he zipped 140 feet above the crowds. 4. Then came my turn. 5. While the staff calmly hooked my harness to the lines above, I was thinking, 6. “Yes, I am terrified. This is the scariest thing I have ever done! But, I can do it. I can push through my fears and survive, hopefully.” 7. They then helped me down to the stairs to nothingness. 8. Karen shot this short video. If you watch carefully, you can probably decipher what I am saying as I bounce down the few stairs. It isn’t repeatable here. Slide 9 [play video] ... Slide 16 1. By zip lining across downtown, did I forever squash my fear of heights? 2. Not a chance! The mere thought of approaching an open height still makes me feel nauseous and anxious. 3. Would I go zip lining again? 4. Hell yes! 5. Why? Because I discovered that I can live through my fear and go beyond. On the other side is where the magic happens. That is where I feel the most alive. 6. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. My wish for you is that the next time you are standing on the edge of an opportunity and wavering, 7. you go for it! In the process, you will discover passions, abilities or talents that you didn’t know existed within you. 8. I’d love to hear what transpires after you have faced your fear and have gone beyond. ... 12. Thank you.