The 6 Stages Amanda overcame her fear of heights*…
*Just a side note, I don’t have a fear of rollercoasters, airplanes, or even wearing high heels (depending on the heel width), but climbing a third story rock wall with only a rope to keep me from plunging to my death, is the only thing that makes my stomach drop and my palms sweaty. But, I thought, “Self, you can do this. You used to rock climb as a child at state fairs and survived, so now its time to get back at it.” Harness and rope tightened, special shoes rented, and excessive chalk for sweaty hands patted…lets do this!
Stage 1: Fear. Although Tyler’s kind words and awesome afro was thankfully distracting me, I couldn’t help but feel like I shouldn’t be doing this, at least not without a quick prayer to keep me calm. “Lord, please don’t let me fall. Otherwise this article won’t end up well.”
Stage 2: Plan of action is key when taking the first big step towards climbing the Rock Wall of Doom. Stage 3: Not Giving up. Yet sweating profusely and thinking I should have gone to yoga before this, (or the bathroom) was on my mind…
Stage 4: Think Disney Princess. “Amanda Lina, Warrior Princess, will be the title of the next Disney movie.” Oh I could already see who the Prince is going to be, I see you Drake…
Stage 5: Relief that I didn’t fall…hence Tyler’s face. It was a shocker for me too. Someone get me an Oreo McFlurry!
Stage 6: Acceptance. Even though I didn’t make it all the way to the top, (I thought I was on level 1 but really it was 2), I felt accomplished and a total badass. I felt like Catwoman except my arms felt like Jell-o and I had to go to drink a whole liter of water afterwards. But I know that this is only the beginning… for me to clip my nails before climbing that wall AGAIN!
Photo credit: My own pictures from my friend Mariah; my accomplice and photographer for the day.