Leaping is a life skill. Bungee jumping helps you practice.

All tied up, at my first bungee jump at Paradise Acapulco!

My friend, LeAnne, dove in like a fearless pro.

I, on the other hand, required a 6-minute pep talk, lots of deep breathing and, ultimately, a gentle push. I was soooo frightened, and nauseous, and I really thought I was going to fold and just turn around. Or vomit. Or worse.

Sometimes help is needed. That was one of those times, and I wasn't too proud to ask for, and receive, it. Next time, though, I'd like to squash all that at-the-edge hesitation. There's a big difference between leaping, and limply falling.

​Graceless starts aside, I went head-first 164 feet, and felt what it is to plummet. And to "bounce back." I will hold that embodied metaphor a good, long time.