Yesterday, I decided to confront a nightmare terror that has haunted me for years; my fear of heights.
GDN reporter Julia Cassano’s journalism career reached new heights at Riffa Views yesterday as she bravely conquered her fears with a zipline challenge. The ride was among the family activities provided on the sidelines of the DP World Tour’s Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship at the Royal Golf Club.
I found myself at the Royal Golf Club, where the DP World Tour’s Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship concludes today.
As part of the event, a range of family-friendly activities were installed for visitors close to the golfing action, including a 100 metre zip line, soaring 12 metres above Riffa Views, which my news editor had assigned me to cover.
When I arrived at the entrance, the friendly staff took my weight and instructed me to remove items from my pockets, before asking me to sign a waiver ... in case, I suppose, it all came to a messy end. After that, they fitted me into my harness and helmet to ensure I was ready to go before proceeding to the platform, which proved to be the most challenging part.
Walking up the flights of stairs to the top made my legs shake with anxiety and each step seemed to take a lifetime. It’s not easy to climb stairs when your knees are shaking. If I am being honest, I wanted to turn back, but I told myself to keep going, to face the fear (sort of) face on ... I also didn’t want my colleagues to think me a wimp.
I finally reached the top, and was greeted by two professional instructors who helped calm my nerves and even offered to go on the zip line next to me, which I politely declined. That would have been positively wimpish!
With my heart pounding and standing on the edge of the platform I mentally counted down from 10, bracing myself for what was to come. I launched off the platform and anxiety and adrenaline flooded my system.
But, once I was in the air, my nervousness turned to excitement, and with the wind rushing through my hair and looking down at the Royal Golf Club, I realised I did not want the experience to end.
After getting back on my feet, I couldn’t believe that my mind had almost stopped me from experiencing an amazing adventure, and I also felt an incredible sense of accomplishment for confronting a fear I’d had since childhood.
Zip lining has become one of the most exciting outdoor activities in recent years, attracting both experienced adventurers and newcomers.
As a newcomer to the zip lining world, I encourage everyone to step up those stairs and out in the harness, face those fears and embark on new adventures! I’m a girl whose career is flying ... official!
julia@gdnmedia.bh
Jayne’s jaunt – Page 15
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