Who would jump out of a plane?

I noticed on facebook that a lovely friend of mine was experiencing some fear and on closer inspection found that it was because she was about to jump out of a plane. I was very impressed and in awe of this brave woman. I have occasionally wondered what would cause anyone to choose to jump from a plane. A perfectly good plane that will take them safely back to firm land if they stay inside yet. And yet they choose to open the door and leap out.

I called my friend that evening to ask her if she had really jumped from a plane. She said that she had and was now exhausted from the whole experience but also thrilled to have completed it. The fear she experienced was following a pile of waivers to fill in before the flight and jump that released the organisation of any liable in the event that she was injured in any way, broke a leg or died. This did nothing for her confidence and she still went ahead. She did say that at the last minute she changed her mind but her 'buddy' just edged her to the door and the wind sucks you out and soon she was experiencing the most amazing adrenaline rush. She finished with "You should do it".

Absolutely not! I have no plans to ever jump from a plane unless my life depends on it. I certainly don't plan to do it as an activity. I get scared quite easily and probably experience the same kind of adrenaline rush every time I climb a ladder, go on the children's merry-go-round or children roller-coaster. I once went on an adult roller-coaster and at it terrified me. I thought that I might fall out several times and was scared that the whole thing might collapse or that the car that I was in might fall off. What was even worse than this was that we had two young children with us and there was a very real fear that they might fall out or slide under the bar supposedly holding us in. This was quite enough adrenaline for me.

I take my hat off to all those people who push themselves even further out of their comfort zone. I am happy to applaud their bravery. And I will continue to push my own boundaries but this won't involve jumping out of a plane.

love
Sarah