Groupon triggers Freedom

 The late fall 2012, my thoughts, dreams, soul were stirring. I was ready for change again. As much as I like change, facing the unknown always provides challenge. It requires courage. While I have always pursued goals and dreams, I have mellowed over the years in some of my drive. With the support of God, family, friends, I have been able to accomplish things others thought impossible or did not consider options. Despite this internal drive to go and do, I was fighting another internal restriction of whatever you do has to be perfect. Don't attempt something if you may fail. Find out what the expectation is and meet it. This is a difficult way to live. Rules, Rules, Rules.

Well, fall 2012, I decided to breakout of the mold I had made myself and do things on my bucket list that I had been to afraid to try. I wanted to return to Guatemala, make pottery on a wheel, shoot archery, skydive, ride in hot air balloon, travel. I joined groupon and lo and behold, there were groupons for all the above mentioned activities. I bought them and during the months of January, February, and March had the opportunity to try new things. The first one was pottery on a wheel with a good friend from work. I was so afraid to mess up. Guess what?  I poked a hole right through my pottery. I had to start again. Disappointment began to well up inside. Failure, "I can't do this. This is why I did not try before." The potter simply responded,"Well, guess you get to start again." So, I did just that; I began again centering the clay. I did what I feared; I failed. It, however, was not terrible. I got to start again. I did enjoy working with clay and would like to again one day.

Archery was the next challenge. I went with a friend from church. Neither one of us had done archery before. The class had several challenges that got progressively harder. Sometimes, I would hit the target. Sometimes it was way off. All in all, it was a fun day learning something new with a friend.

Next for my birthday, I scheduled skydiving. The day was cancelled due to bad weather. It was rescheduled and Dad volunteered to jump with me. Skydiving was amazing! I would have gotten right back on the plane and jumped again if I could have. The combination adrenaline of hurling to the earth for 50 seconds and the peaceful gliding one the parachute was pulled was unique.

April 2012, I began traveling to Guatemala, Upper Peninsula Michigan, Hamlet NC, Joshua Tree, CA, Republic of Congo with Mercy Ships, National Parks in Utah, Joshua Tree CA, trip to see friends and Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks. Each one provided new challenges and area of growth in interpersonal skills, self-confidence, facing fears of failing and continuing on, allowing myself to emerge. Each place had wonderful times as well as difficult learning experiences. What I learned in one situation carried over to the next. Life is a journey.

I also spoke to a Sunday School class about Mercy Ships and what I have/will do. I never thought I would be able to speak in front of a group of people well.  It was not graded; I was speaking to people who love me and care about me. I did not have to be perfect. I just needed to be me and share my love for people.

That brings me to last week's hot air balloon ride.I remember driving to the public library one day as a child. Mom pointed out a hot air balloon in the sky. I said, "I want to do that one day...float in the sky above the trees."  Mom replied, "Maybe you will one day." When I saw the groupon, I bought it excited to experience it. Like the skydiving, it was cancelled due to poor flying conditions. I was disappointed but took advantage of being in the area and toured the Biltmore House and property for the first time. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

This past Thursday, I left home at 3:30 AM to drive to Asheville area to meet the balloon group. We met at a cafe/coffee shop. After meeting the fellow riders (a interior designer, professional magician, retired army veteran,  and the pilot) we piled into the van and drove to cow pasture where the crew laid out a tarp and balloon. While they inflated the balloon, we received instructions about landing and how to position ourselves for a rough landing. Once the balloon is inflated, all 5 of us stand in the basket. The balloon slowly lifts off and away we go, floating above the trees. The valleys all around us were filled with fog. Thankfully where we were was clear. It was quiet, peaceful, unique. Once we all got comfortable floating around 5,000 feet, we started our decent. The ride was very quick (about 45 minutes). We landed easily in a field without difficulty. While it was neat, it was not my favorite.  As Dad said, if you don't try new things, you will never get new favorites. All favorites were new at once point.

So there it is, some of the journey to freedom to branch out, try new things, travel, pick myself up and move on, keep plugging along best I can. Life is much more exciting, fulfilling, and challenging these days. Although it is not all rosy and nice, it is very good. Hard, but good! I will continue to live day to day learning, trying, and enjoying. I hope you will as well.