Up, Up But Not Too Far Away

Up Up but Not Too Far Away?

Have you been Hot Air Ballooning? Or would you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Where it’s safe…or is it?

I’ve been exploring what it takes to break free of the mental encumbrances that prevent us from being our very best. The barriers that keep us from taking risks, from facing adversity, from leaving bad things behind, from ending toxic relationships, or just walking away and hitting the reset button.

Hot air ballooning is a grand experience. I realize it’s not for everyone, but I’d like to use it as a metaphor for risk taking.

We arrived at about 6:00am to a meeting spot and then were driven to the launching site. As we rode over, I was so eager with anticipation that I could hardly contain myself. I knew we’d be doing an outdoor activity but the actual activity itself was kept a secret by my beau until we arrived at the meeting spot. Having you ever smiled so hard that your cheek muscles ached?

We pulled up to three shockingly vibrant, partially inflated balloons that were lying on a huge lot. I don’t recall the door being opened for me- I just rushed towards one of the balloons like a five year old on Christmas morning. The best part (aside from floating 4,00 feet above ground) was when the captain allowed us to walk inside of the balloon prior to fully inflating it.

After that treat, we were instructed to exit the balloon, given safety instructions and soon the true magic began as they finished inflating the it right before our eyes. We hopped inside the basket and then 1, 2, 3, we rose in such a way that I didn’t realize we had left the ground. Either we were with one of the most experienced captains in history or hot air balloon flights are just plain and simple … ballooning is smooth.

As we rose higher and higher, I filled my nostrils with the air because I felt like it was purer, fresher, better in some way. I savored every second of my time up there.

Momentarily, my perspective shifted. I vividly recall looking down at houses, swimming pools, grassy yards, people waving up to us and it was like seeing those objects and structures for the first time, when in reality I saw them every day.

Do you have the courage to change your perspective? Most people need motivation to demonstrate courage, others are hard-wired with a courageous heart and spirit.

I’m on a mission to change my perspective, expand my horizons and evolve. To literally and figuratively …go higher and higher, up, up and away.