I was doing a writing project that revolved around “daring” when I saw this old photo. I remember how amazing it was to reach the top of that craggy rock. I felt like I could reach the skies!
This was taken a couple of years back during a shoot about rock climbing in Baguio. We had wrapped up the shoot but I felt challenged to do it myself. After all, I would be writing the story and I needed to know first hand what it was like if I wanted to describe the experience authentically.
Of course, I had little gremlins dissuading me. Balance was always a personal challenge and I get lightheaded when I walk on heights. I did try wall climbing a few times before but that was in a padded environment. Falling would be quite fun because you’d get to bounce on the cushions a bit.
But climbing on that rock meant holding on to sharp edges and accidentally falling means broken bones and puncture wounds here and there. Not fun at all.
What got me going anyway was knowing that I had the chance to prove my gremlins wrong and to assure myself that I can conquer my fears.
Even if there was a slim chance (and I had to make sure, it was a really, really slim chance) that I would fall, at least I could say I tried (and be grateful that I have travel medical insurance 
)
So I did dare to climb that rock. And it was exhilarating.
Right at that moment, I felt like I could do anything. I might as well have shouted “I am the Queen of the World!”
And I am. At least in my world. I just needed to recognize that I am stronger and braver than I think I am.
Because once you use your strengths, the world opens up countless possibilities.
What fears have you conquered this year?
