Fear is Temporary. Regret is Forever.

If jumping from a bridge is not exciting enough, add an exotic locale, an elite distinction, and world-class hospitality. It all adds up to a mind-expanding, toe-curling experience of a lifetime and one I highly recommend for anyone seeking to free themselves from fear.

My journey began just days after a midlife birthday sent me on an extraordinary trip to South Africa with a small group of adventurers.

Our bungee jumping excursion was not on the original itinerary. However, once it became available, it sounded intriguing.

And scary.

Initially, my fear won out as I balked at the idea and made lame excuses:

“I’m not feeling that great; I think I’ll hang out today and snap a few pictures. Besides, I’m not sure if jumping from a bridge after breakfast is such a great idea?”

I was fully aware my half-hearted objections were nothing more than fear cloaked in a wet blanket of excuses.

And then it happened.

My friend did something that pushed my buttons and forced me to reconsider.

She DARED me.

How could she have known that I’ve never been able to resist a dare?

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As the large van containing our small group of soon to be jumpers careened down the highway toward the excursion sight, our informative driver briefed us on its storied history and impressive stats-

“Bloukrans Bridge at the height of 216 meters (709 feet), is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the highest (commercially operated) bungee jump bridge on earth!”

As he talked, I mentally tried converting meters into feet and feet into football fields for perspective. (I’m not exactly sure why I chose football fields, but I think it’s the length of just over two of them)

A few minutes later, we reached the entrance as the vehicle made its way through the open gate, crunching over loose gravel before coming to an abrupt stop just a few yards from where we were to prep for the jump.

A sensory overload awaited us as we filed out of the van and made our way over to the aptly named Face Adrenalin welcome center.

A crackling current of fear hung in the air as we exchanged nervous smiles and completed paperwork. (including signing a legal document stating we were of sound mind and understood the inherent danger and risks involved and releasing them of accountability if something were to go haywire and well, you know.)

Thankfully, my sense of adventure kicked in, and I chose to proceed.

Escorted to the site via a swaying open-air catwalk suspended high above the watery gorge below, gave us panoramic views and magnificent hesitations.

Once in place, the jumpers lined up according to their size: heaviest first, lightest last. (Thank God, I skipped breakfast!)

My heart pounded. My mind raced. Then it occurred to me:

Bungee jumping would unfold as the most reckless or righteous, careless or courageous decision I’d made up to that point.

I was terrified! But not in a terrible way. More like a scared straight out of my body, can’t feel my pulse, exhilarating kind of way!

Before I knew it, the bungee cord was wrapped securely around my ankles, and I was hopping like a clumsy bunny ever closer toward the edge.

A discreetly placed camera captured every eye-popping blink, terrifying gulp, and unintended curse word uttered.

I heard, “Stand here, toes off the edge, arms out like a bird and just fall — holding your head up like you’re flying.”

The countdown began — five — four — chest-pounding, bass-thumping high energy music blasted from invisible speakers — three — two — ONE!

Suddenly, stepping off into thin air, there were no screams, no terror, just sheer, quiet unexplainable joy, like falling into the lap of God.

— —

Did I buy the t-shirt? You Bet!

It reads:

Fear is Temporary. Regret is Forever.

— — — — — — —

“In the end…we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” ― Lewis Carroll.

I’m thankful for choosing to face my fear and (literally) taking that leap of faith. Now, when the going gets tough, I remind myself that if I can push through the terror of jumping from a bridge, what can’t I accomplish?

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