How I Conquered My Fear and Broke the Sound Barrier

Posted by Jul 9, 2015

Our summer vacation, last week, was filled with some much needed relaxation, family time and the acquisition of a new skill. The lake we visited, had two Sea-Doos available for our use. My cousin offered to teach me how to operate one, so I could join in the fun with my kiddos.

imageI quickly declined, thinking she and my husband could drive the children, and I would watch safely from the shore. But, my former favorite relative refused to take no for an answer, and I found myself gripping a thin, plastic strap, on the back-end of a floating deathtrap, as she took off across the lake. I inadvertently introduced my five year old, who sat gleefully in the middle seat, to a few terror-infused curse words that spilled out of my mouth and into the wake.

“How do you like it?” my cousin shouted with a grin.

“I don’t!” I yelled back.

“What’s the worst thing that could happen?” she reasoned.

“I go flying off this thing into the lake.” I retorted. Water always looks cushioning until you plow into it at 40 miles per hour.

There was a time, in my younger years, when I would water ski behind a speedboat, without a second thought. In fact, there were many things that I never hesitated to try. What is it about becoming older that causes us to be so practical, rational and many times, ruled by fear?

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7image

God did not give us a spirit of fear, yet how many times do I allow it to prevent me from experiencing moments that turn out to be absolutely amazing? Why do I let worry and anxiety dissuade me from taking a risk, stepping out in faith or exploring the lesser traveled road?

What truly is the worst thing that can happen?

Well, death, if you’re on a watercraft being driven by the female equivalent of “Evil” Knievel.

But, in life, even if we end up failing, there is so much to learn and enjoy while we are on the journey.

Over the next few days, my confidence on the Sea-Doo grew. There is something terrifyingly wonderful about flying across the water in synchronicity with the waves.

Pleased with my progress, I offered to take two of my children out for a ride. All four refused.

“Dad’s much faster. We’ll go with him.”

I narrowed my eyes and glared at each one.

Awkward silence.

Finally my four year old, who I feel strongly has Mensa capabilities, begrudgingly said, “Ok mama. I’ll go with you.”  I beamed at his overwhelming support. My preteen plopped in the third seat and his lackadaisical expression challenged me to show him my skills.

I took off across the water at a speed that must have been close to breaking the sound barrier.

“You must admit, I am getting quite good on this thing,” I cockily yelled over my shoulder. He responded by raising an eyebrow and showing he wasn’t even holding on.

imageI shook my head and squeezed the gas. I wasn’t about to let fear, or a hard to impress adolescent, hold me back from enjoying an incredible experience.

I wonder if the 2016 Summer Olympics has a competitive Sea-Doo event? This mama may have to make a run for the gold.

 

How about you?  Have you ever let fear stop you from doing something that may have been an amazing experience? I’d love to hear about it – comment below!

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About Jennifer Louise Diaz

Jennifer Louise Diaz is a writer, storyteller and motivational speaker. She has a degree in social work, and her years working in this profession have ignited her passion for helping women find their buried laughter, faith and joy. Jennifer’s love of comedy, the written word and storytelling create an engaging platform to share her message, both online and in person. She writes a weekly blog called “Devo on the Go” that highlights the hilarious insanity of being a mama to four kiddos. It has been featured by the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Humorwriters.org and Faithful Devotions. She also produces an online Bible study called "B-Study on the Go" that allows busy moms to dig into the Word from the soccer field, pick-up line or behind a locked bathroom door. When she is not writing, she serves as a seasoned "road warrior" - dropping off and picking up numerous children from various activities. She will have at least one teenager in the house for the next 13 years. Prayers are appreciated!
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10 comments on “How I Conquered My Fear and Broke the Sound Barrier”

  1. I battle this constantly. I love how you show to take a risk in a big way and we shouldn’t forget the small ways as well. Wonderful story

  2. I’m going to tuck this away in what’s left of my brain (after living w 3 young adults this summer) and step out of my comfort zone sometime!

  3. Thanks for another delightful Devo on the Go!! You are so gifted at taking simple occurrencea and making them relevant to us all! Each of us has daily fears or insecurities to conquer and you have equipped us with the Word of wisdom – to help us along! I’m going to use the “spirit of power, of love and self-discipline” to tackle my reluctance to follow my dream!!

    Signed – your female equivalent of Evil Knievel cousin!

  4. Thanks for this Jenn! I have been terrified of roller coasters since I was a child….Last time I went on anything that spun, went down a steep hill, or twirls up in the air where you feel like your stomach literally jumped out of your body and you think you are going to hurl not only onto the person next to you but all over the folks standing about 30 feet from the ride itself……I was a teenager….Since than, I have not gotten on much but the merry go round, the train and the monorail which moves in extremely slow motion…..My daughter, now almost 2 years old after next week, has been experiencing the festival rides, and the ever so popular Dutch Wonderland, as we purchased season passes since we live literally right around the corner. Fortunately, for my husband, we believe she will be his “ride buddy”. She goes on everything BUT the roller coaster and anything crazy she really shows interest in, she isn’t tall enough for….We have been answering her “Come on with me please Mama” question with a quick run to the ride, switch off from Mama’s arms to Dada’s arms and on they go as I watch in amazement my almost 2 year old spinning on a ride I’m pretty sure if I were on it, I’d scream so loud and make such a fool of myself, it would terrify her…..! Ha! Who know’s…maybe next time I will start out with baby steps, and try the balloon twirl! 🙂

    • I share your dislike for roller coasters! But like you, I haven’t tried one since I was a teenager. You never know, we both may love them now! Start slow and build. Balloon twirl away mama! You got this! Fear can’t hold you back.

  5. I would have never put Evil Knievel and Melora in the same sentence. I’m coming up for a ride! Jenn, I love your posts! You are an amazing writer, and you make me laugh.

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