Trust the Fall

On a crisp winter day, I took a trip to Niagara Falls in the negative four-degree weather. I went there to have a day with a friend with the intention of doing a video shoot, but what I left with was far more valuable. With the day ahead of us, we woke up nice and early. We were so excited to go to the falls even though we were fully aware that the weather was going to be less than desirable. We bundled up in layers. I wore three pairs of pants, two sweatshirts, two pairs of socks, a coat, a scarf, and two layers of gloves, and I was still freezing. The cold air bit through every layer, but the excitement of the day kept us moving forward.

We knew we were about to enter the tundra when we entered the falls because we all know it is colder by the water. Our mission was to make a video welcoming her favorite artist to the United States since he is here on tour. We stood next to the falls and took several videos of her welcoming him here, while simultaneously being pelted by ice pellets from the steam and froze in the frigid air, and slapped by harsh wind.

After we were done with the videos, she went off and took some more by herself, and I was left to look at what was right in front of me–the message that one of Earth’s wonders gives us. It's okay to let go, trust the process, and no matter what, the universe always has you back.

Water, as an element, represents trusting the process and letting go. The cold dread we feel when faced with the unknown is a creation of our human minds. Things we’ve always dreamed of doing– whether it be our career, travel, passion, or personal dreams–are within our reach if just take the first step. With enough love and determination, the universe supports us. Take the waterfall in the picture–the symbolism of letting go, and then look at the steam. How could such a cold day create steam? The universe allows the release of water molecules into the air from the heavy impact of the water. Translated to life, when we jump into the deep end, the universe will help us rise because we are meant to rise if it’s meant for us.

The snow in the picture represents the cold dread that we feel going over that edge. We experience pushback when it comes to doing the things we love– especially when the fear of financial insecurity holds us back. The feeling of dread that snow brings can seem like a warning sign, but when viewed from a different perspective, it is actually beautiful. Snow is pure, untouched, and white, symbolizing transformation and rebirth. When we feel stuck or uncertain, it’s a sign that we need to change. Snow reminds us that transformation comes from embracing what makes us feel alive. It’s about shedding the fears that hold us back from moving forward, never looking back, and having no regrets. It’s about believing in yourself and knowing you are just as powerful as the waterfalls.

Nature teaches us that we are meant to love and be at peace. The falls and the steam shows us that everything in life–no matter how cold or daunting–can lead to something beautiful if we allow ourselves to trust the journey. We are often paralyzed by the fear of failure or the unknown, but the universe is always there, waiting for us to take that leap. When we do, we rise, just as the steam rises from the falls, supported by forces greater than we can see.