When we arrived there was a line of people just waiting to jump off of the cliff into the crystal clear ocean below. The Negril side of the island has the most beautiful beaches and bluest water. Everyone at the bar was cheering as one by one brave (or maybe just drunk) tourists made the plunge. I had never done anything like that before. But, sometimes, on very rare occasions I have moments when courage just sneaks up on me and I even surprise myself. This was one of those moments.
I stripped off my tee shirt and shorts (and yes, I had a bathing suit on) and just made my way over to the line. I was far enough back that I could not see over the edge of the cliff. That is probably good because I think if I could have seen over the edge I may never have made the jump. When it was my turn I did not stop to think about it, not even one fraction of a second. I just ran and jumped.
I like to think that it is sometimes a good motto for life - don’t think about it – just jump. It is when I spend too much time thinking about things, analyzing what may or may not happen that I tend to chicken out or talk myself out of something that may have been good for me, or just plain fun. My head sometimes gets in my own way.
I am happy that Jody did catch a picture of me on my way down. It happened so fast I barely remember making the jump. Years later when I come across that picture I remember that moment of courage and that adrenaline rush I had once it was over when I realized I survived. I try and keep that moment in mind to remind myself that sometimes things that look scary can be so worth it… if you don’t think to long and just jump.
Ah…
Might as well jump (Jump)
Might as well jump
Go ahead and jump (Jump)
Go ahead and jump!
- Van Halen
-19 days and counting!