Finally there was peace

[silliemunkie 0]

After many years of wanting to jump, I finally did it.

I spent all morning, and part of the afternoon going through the AFF curriculum, and then I was ready to go.

It was another couple of hours before there was room to take me up for my jump, and the anticipation got worse as time went on. The climb seemed like it took forever, which in a Cessna 182 does take forever.

When the door finally opened, I finally realized this is it, I'm really going to jump.

I have to admit, the jump could have gone much better. I missed the count when letting go, instead of going on 3, it was more like on 10. My arch was terrible, and I missed touching the handle 3 out of 3 times. I did notice I was approaching 5,500', but by the time i had the handle and was ready to pull, the instructor pulled for me. The canopy ride was peaceful, and not long enough.

Looking back on the entire day, and the jump, I started to realized quite a few things that I didn't give much thought to before.

The instant I let go of the airplane, I let go of years of frustrations, setbacks, and crazy work hours. It was the first time in a long time I was at peace.

I know I will have to redo the jump, but I feel deep down inside that future jumps will go much better, and be much more enjoyable.

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

Yeah, the sport does kind of force you to let go of all the irrelevant stuff and focus in on right here, right now. Don't be discouraged by setbacks -- you may have to repeat a level or two, but you learn something from every single jump.

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[popsjumper 2]

Congrats!

Yep...your epiphany is the same as mine.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[silliemunkie 0]

thank you for the words of encouragement

I was planning on jumping this past Saturday, but nasty weather prevented it.

So, I'm rescheduled for this upcoming Saturday. Hoping to squeeze in two jumps, but would be happy for at least 1.

Also looking at spending a couple of weekdays at SkyDive Chicago to try and get a bunch of jumps in, since they are open during the week.