I've Crash Landed... A Few Times! I've always been a bit of a thrill seeker... perhaps it's an insatiable desire for spontaneity and adventure. I also have a short attention span... which is why I gravitate to new experiences quickly. I've crash landed a few times in my life, many of which were painful experiences.
In my early 20's, I sailed to Mexico for a lovely vacation. I was strongly urged NOT to parachute sail, as it was considered a dangerous activity in Mexico. Being the risk-taker that I am, I was the first to sign up. When the guide gave the boat the go ahead, my parachute went up and hit a gust of wind and abruptly came down... with me, head first on the beach, eating sand, as the boat continued to drag me for several yards. I brushed myself off and said, 'let's do it again!' It scared the hibbie jibbies out of the observers on the beach, who prudently changed their minds to participate.
In my late 20's, I opened a retail spa and woodstove store in Southern California. Life was good, money was flowing and everyone wanted a hot tub. Enter the early 90's recession. Discretionary funds went away and my business crashed and burned. I was $150K in debt and I vowed to pay back every cent plus interest, despite the fact that my creditors encouraged me to file bankruptcy. It took me 4 years to recover but I kept my word.
In my early 30's, I had a head-on car accident (no-fault) which totaled my car, tore my rotator cuff and herniated 2 discs in my neck. I came very close to being paralyzed. The event altered my life in so many ways. I was forced to retire from a job I loved and I could no longer participate in various activities that I enjoyed. My injuries were debilitating, depressing and took the wind out of my sails... for a short time ;)
In my 40's, I experienced hot-air ballooning twice. I've done the 'dip & dash' thing which was thrilling. The second time I flew was crazy. Unbeknownst to me, my guide was flying low because of unexpected wind. Our balloon ended up hitting a very tall redwood tree, causing our basket to sink, dangerously hovering over some power lines. I had flown with the same guide before, so I had complete confidence he could handle the situation... until he began to lose it... and then I found myself saying my last prayer as he cut the tether which ended up freeing the balloon from the tree. What happened next was more unbelievable. As we sailed over some commercial structures, he announced; "Brace yourself, we're going to crash." Huh? How could that be? Indeed, within seconds we hit a concrete embankment, not once, but twice... and down we came. It took me a few minutes to figure out what had just happened, barely composing myself to climb out of the basket and wondering if I was truly still in one piece. I've never been so happy to feel the ground under my feet. At that moment, my insatiable need to fly above the crowd had been cured... for a moment ;)
My story is one of pure optimism (some of you might suggest pure stupidity). 'I get knocked down, but I get up again' has become my theme song. Never once have I retreated to a comfortable rocking chair, nor am I cool with listening to elevator music. I won't slow down and I refuse to give up. I see a proverbial sunset on every horizon and it's just as attractive today as it has ever been. I've crash landed a few times, both personally and professionally, but I'm happy to announce that I'm still here... alive and kickin :) Next Adventure Please....
