Overcoming Fears

I knew today was going to be a personal struggle for me.  We were going to Rocket Park, where they have the Space Shot simulation.  Basically, it goes up high, then drops.  I am so terrified on heights but with the encouragement of Tara and Reid, I somehow convince myself to get on this ride.

Wow this is gonna go high.  My eyes are closed as the cart pulls us up higher..and higher...and higher...until.....

SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!  Down we go! I screamed like a girl but I didn't care.  It was really cool.  It took a lot for me to go up on that ride so I felt very proud.   It also helped that I had some good friends supporting me as well.

Little did I know that was nothing compared to our final activity of the day:  The Pamper Pole.

This pole sits 32 feet up in the air.  You climb a ladder, then up those large staples, then stand on the top.  From there you JUMP (yes I said JUMP) to smack the white rope in the middle.  There are 9 people that are supporting you, as well as a very uncomfortable harness.

There is no way I am getting on this pole.  No.  I refuse.  My fear of heights is already starting to kick in and I am still on the ground.  I was hoping that I could just keep the job of "rope holder" but no everyone had to try.

I don't hang my own Christmas lights on my house and you expect me to climb this pole?  I don't think so bubba.  Well, I went 3rd from last and when it was my turn I made it my personal goal to at least go above the ladder.  I am all locked in and it's time to start climbing.  I close my eyes and begin.

I clear the ladder and I am just looking up at the staples rungs now. One level at a time.  Team Harmony is cheering me on.  Their support is literally pushing me higher.

I stop about halfway up.  Nerves are kicking in.  I can feel my legs beginning to shake.  I can't go any farther.  I want to quit but my team is pushing my higher.  Their spirit makes me want to try just one more rung.  So I look up, and start again.

I stop again right at the top.  I can't take that final step.  The pole is too wobbly.  My legs are DEFINITELY too wobbly.  I make the big mistake of looking down.  Wow that parking lot is far down.  Yikes.  I am clutching the top like I am holding a baby.  I feel it again. My team pushing me.
"One more step." 
"Just one more." 
"You can do it."

Can I?  I have to do it.  One foot up on the platform.  I lean forward and my other foot goes

ON THE PLATFORM!!!  I am standing 32 feet in the air.  My whole body is shaking but I did it.  I can't believe it! I rotate on the platform 180 degrees so I can do the final part:  The rope leap.  If I can climb this pole, then I sure can jump off of it. 

I do my jump, touch the rope, and my team gently eases me to the ground.  I land and my legs are jello.  I can barely stand up but I did it.

There is no way I would have done this without my team.  They inspired me to keep going when I wanted to quit twice.  Everyone was sincerely rooting for the other to succeed.  I truly felt like I was part of a team and it was amazing.

During our debrief Steve (teacher from St. Louis) talked about strength.  It was not just physical strength that got us up that pole, but emotional strength.  The strength of a team working towards one goal.  Never giving up, even when it is hard.  I learned today that when a group of people truly work together, we can break through any barrier to find success.

Who would have thought I would find this at Space Camp?  I can't wait to be a Camp Counselor next year.