What inspired me to write today, besides the fact that I have free time (strangely enough...), was my trip to Darien Lake last week. Our physics class went for Physics Day, along with just about half of all the other high schools in the state.
One of the first rides my seven-student class went on was Ride of Steel, formerly known as Superman when Six Flags owned the park. After we had ridden it the first time, we all decided to go again because the line was short. It wasn't until a friend asked me to ride up front that I actually got nervous about the ride.
I agreed to go up front because a.) I didn't want to be the one to 'chicken out' and b.) It was thrilling just thinking about front row. So we went up to the line for the first car. Right there my palms started sweating, "what if's" began popping up in my mind and I was getting a little nauseous. What had I gotten myself into?
On the outside though, I kept cool, even though my friend and our teacher kept making fun of me and another friend who'd come to ride up front with us. I took deep breaths and even when I was sure I should get to a car farther back, I stayed in line. When we got to the front and climbed in our seats, I was almost shaking. I told myself over and over "you'll be fine, it's just the first seat, no biggie" etc. I mean, what could be the problem? I already rode it once; this would be no different, except...
It was WAY better!
That ride was just fantastic, I knew I'd love it, I just had to convince myself! A 208ft drop at 76 degrees is O.K. in the middle of the train, but when you've got nothing in front of you, and your hands in the air (a.k.a. in the front), it's awesome! As soon as I was about halfway down that first hill I knew I'd been silly to freak out.
I got to thinking about it later in the day and I realized something: that I can do whatever I have the courage to do. Even if I'm scared out of my wits or just nervous, as long as I have that initial surge of bravery, I can hold onto that and it'll bring me through. I mean, I knew I'd be fine on Ride of Steel, but I got into second guessing myself and worrying about stupid, obscure things. When that kind of thing happens it overtakes my mind and clouds my judgement, but if I hold onto that first "I can do it!" feeling, everything works out just fine.
I'm just so happy that I've come to this realization, and that I can use it in future experiences!
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