Take a moment in time and conquer your fears

Dangling on a rope with the sea frothing and swirling beneath, the granite gray rock facing me menacingly and the bright blue sky above, I feel suspended in time.

“Don’t look down.” I tell myself as I swing like a spider on a web. Taking a deep gulp of air I try and swallow down the panic rising into my throat.

“Breathe!” Shouts my instructor and his voice sounds so small and distant that I involuntarily look down. He’s a tiny dot far below me. Suddenly feeling lightheaded, nausea rises into my throat and I want to be back on firm ground.

“I’ll lower you down.” He shouts.

“Wait!” I reply. Breathing deeply, I take in the moment. I haven’t fallen to injury or death! I am still dangling inelegantly at the end of a rope. The sea still looks beautiful and from this height I can see the Island of Harris in the distance. The sun is still warm on my skin and all that has really happened is that I have lost my footing, but someone has got my back, so all is good.

All sense of urgency and panic vanishes as I focus on the moment. Gently, I swing back to the cliff face. My fingers grip the sharp granite and my feet find a narrow ridge. I am back on the rock. Looking down to give a thumbs up I gradually begin to climb again. The rope reassuringly follows my ascent reminding me that I am not alone and help is there if I need it.

Finally, I reach the top and am rewarded with magnificent views and a feeling of exhilaration. Catching my breath and taking in the scenery I realise that taking a step at a time, focusing on the here and now and knowing support is there if I need it is great advice for rock climbing but the same could also be said for all of life’s circumstances. Right now I feel I could conquer anything and so I am going to enjoy this feeling in this moment.