What I Learned About Being Brave From a Dirty Helmet
The ropes course looked awesome…but the helmet necessary to participate was dusty, filthy and gross. What’s worse, I didn’t have a scarf to put between my hair and the helmet.
I was raised by a neat-freak. Admittedly (ask Darrell), I have those tendencies myself, although in a much lighter form.
I’d never done a ropes course before, and had been excitedly waiting for this day.
The dilemma presented itself: the only way to engage was to put on the helmet.
I’ve heard it said that “if you think your hair is more important than your head, you’re probably right.” However, this was not about vanity. This was about extreme dirt. Remember: neat-freak tendencies.
Yet, I was clear that I would not miss this ropes course.
At that moment, being brave didn’t at all mean walking the tightrope or jumping from a high pole onto a trapeze (all of which I was facing). At that moment, being brave meant putting on that damn helmet!
Outside of my comfort zone? Yes! Already! Before putting one foot onto a pole step or rigging!
Once I made that first “leap” of faith, everything was downhill from there. Crossing rope bridges, diving from poles, ascending vertical obstacle courses to reach new heights…piece of cake.
My takeaway lesson for the day: being brave looks different for everyone. For someone afraid of heights, it’s jumping off a climbing wall. For someone afraid of dirt, it’s donning a dirty helmet. It doesn’t matter what fear we conquer. It just matters that we conquer it.
The helmet course was amazing. Who wants to go?