Our grandson, Skyler, turned 16 in April. I wanted to do something special for him, something like what we planned on his 13th birthday since both ages are rather significant milestones in a young person’s life. On his 13th we surprised him by taking him to SkyVenture Arizona, which is an indoor skydiving facility that uses a state-of-the-art skydiving wind tunnel.
Not only was he surprised when we arrived at the destination, he was even more surprised when a car full of some of his friends arrived. They had a blast! There’s something special about facing a new experience that’s somewhat scary with friends who are willing to do it with you.
Now at 16, I wanted to step it up a little. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. After running it by Bob and Sky’s parents, who agreed he would love the challenge, we solidified the plans and reservations were made. When the day arrived, we all headed north to Flagstaff for the weekend and the Extreme Adventure course located in the Fort Tuthill County Park.
The extreme adventure consists of five different courses which progressively are more challenging based on the level of difficulty and of course, elevation. It has approximately 17 different obstacles including several different zip lines that take participants from one tree to another where they face their next challenge – anything from navigating a wobbly bridge, hanging nets, swinging planks to cross, and other “suspended” challenges.
I was intrigued with what happened after we all arrived and the guys had their gear properly fitted and secured before they sat down to go through the mandatory 30-minute training. Sky gathered his friends, formed a circle and challenged them to make a pack that each of them would finish all five courses, including the black course, which was at the highest elevation and most difficult, testing their upper body strength to the limits. I watched one of the instructors nod his head, as if to say, “They’ll never make it.” One of Sky’s friends admitted he was afraid of heights but none the less, all four joined their hands in the middle of the circle with a shake to seal the deal.
Because the facility is in the county park, those of us less adventurous were able to walk the course cheering them on. I watched as Sky and his friends confronted each task, facing any self-doubt, apprehension and fear of heights.
How do you handle the obstacles in your life? Challenges you didn’t expect? The hard tasks that involve doubt, apprehension or fear? The pain associated with a betrayal, divorce, or loss of a loved one?
You don’t have to do it alone! Find friends who will cheer you on and those willing to go through it with you. There’s something about facing tough times and going through challenges with friends who are also willing to face their apprehensions. Make a pack to finish the course together, spurring each other on each step along the way.
Sky and his friends finished each task with which they were confronted that day. I quickly glanced around to see if perhaps the doubting instructor had witnessed the feat. He was nowhere to be found, but it didn’t really matter. The smile on Sky’s face said it all. I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps they all had surpassed their expectations that day.
Are you willing to face your apprehensions and fears in order to complete what you’re facing right now? Enroll in one of our courses and invite a friend to do it with you so you can walk through it together. We’ll be there to cheer you on each step of the way and you just might be surprised at the peace of mind that will surpass your expectations.
I look forward to hearing from you and walking your journey with you.
Not only was he surprised when we arrived at the destination, he was even more surprised when a car full of some of his friends arrived. They had a blast! There’s something special about facing a new experience that’s somewhat scary with friends who are willing to do it with you.
Now at 16, I wanted to step it up a little. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. After running it by Bob and Sky’s parents, who agreed he would love the challenge, we solidified the plans and reservations were made. When the day arrived, we all headed north to Flagstaff for the weekend and the Extreme Adventure course located in the Fort Tuthill County Park.
The extreme adventure consists of five different courses which progressively are more challenging based on the level of difficulty and of course, elevation. It has approximately 17 different obstacles including several different zip lines that take participants from one tree to another where they face their next challenge – anything from navigating a wobbly bridge, hanging nets, swinging planks to cross, and other “suspended” challenges.
I was intrigued with what happened after we all arrived and the guys had their gear properly fitted and secured before they sat down to go through the mandatory 30-minute training. Sky gathered his friends, formed a circle and challenged them to make a pack that each of them would finish all five courses, including the black course, which was at the highest elevation and most difficult, testing their upper body strength to the limits. I watched one of the instructors nod his head, as if to say, “They’ll never make it.” One of Sky’s friends admitted he was afraid of heights but none the less, all four joined their hands in the middle of the circle with a shake to seal the deal.
Because the facility is in the county park, those of us less adventurous were able to walk the course cheering them on. I watched as Sky and his friends confronted each task, facing any self-doubt, apprehension and fear of heights.
How do you handle the obstacles in your life? Challenges you didn’t expect? The hard tasks that involve doubt, apprehension or fear? The pain associated with a betrayal, divorce, or loss of a loved one?
You don’t have to do it alone! Find friends who will cheer you on and those willing to go through it with you. There’s something about facing tough times and going through challenges with friends who are also willing to face their apprehensions. Make a pack to finish the course together, spurring each other on each step along the way.
Sky and his friends finished each task with which they were confronted that day. I quickly glanced around to see if perhaps the doubting instructor had witnessed the feat. He was nowhere to be found, but it didn’t really matter. The smile on Sky’s face said it all. I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps they all had surpassed their expectations that day.
Are you willing to face your apprehensions and fears in order to complete what you’re facing right now? Enroll in one of our courses and invite a friend to do it with you so you can walk through it together. We’ll be there to cheer you on each step of the way and you just might be surprised at the peace of mind that will surpass your expectations.
I look forward to hearing from you and walking your journey with you.
Bobbie Rill, M.A., LPC
Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist/Natl. Trainer
A well-loved speaker and counselor, Bobbie has been guiding individuals successfully for over 25 years.
The Grief and Wellness Group, Inc.
www.GriefTheThief.com
Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist/Natl. Trainer
A well-loved speaker and counselor, Bobbie has been guiding individuals successfully for over 25 years.
The Grief and Wellness Group, Inc.
www.GriefTheThief.com
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