As you may know, I’m involved with many charity events and when I was recently told about an opportunity to fundraise for a Rotary Club providing scholarships for young women to attend the Philadelphia Outward Bound program, I was excited to help. Then I learned that the fundraiser involved rappelling.

I have done rock climbing on a wall and rappelling is the opposite of that. When climbing the wall, you pull yourself with your arms, push with your legs, and anticipate ringing the bell at the top in celebration. I would admire the distance I’d conquered when I did reach the top. Let me tell you, when you are doing this on a large cruise ship, the view to the edge of the horizon on the ocean is amazing! Then of course, you baleen down and enjoy the freedom, enjoy the ride, until your feet hit the floor. But rappelling, well that’s another story.

This event was wayyyyyy outside of my comfort zone. I mean, 31 stories? And October isn’t always the best weather, especially in Philly. In fact, the City recently felt the effects of Hurricane Joaquin, even though it stayed in the ocean and did not make landfall.

My son asked if this was my mid-life crisis.
“Yes, I am in my mid-50’s, however, I see this time in my life as living life for me, not for others.”

My daughter texted, “Is this along the lines of, if all your friends jump off a bridge, would you jump off a bridge, too?”
“No, I am the first one off the bridge, in this case the building, leading everyone else!”

My father said, “No one is paying you to do this.”
“You are right, I am the one paying to be able to do this.”

I wasn’t used to this lack of support. When I started my own company, I had many supporters. Some were amazed (truthfully, I was amazed at my decision).  I also had some naysayers, those who said…

“Just get a job.”
“You have a mortgage to pay.”
“You have two kids in college.”

Yet, I listened to my inner voice which told me that starting my own company was an adventure. Yes, there were risks and doubts. I was an unknown in a sea of other professionals.  I never had to solicit business from others. Yet, my instinct said I could do it. My instinct said this was a great idea, with a need in the marketplace. And as my company has grown and expanded, I have acquired many more supporters. Almost four years later, I have a thriving company, with many clients, and more onboarding each week.

This rappelling adventure was another one that just felt right to me. It was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but why not do it? I am not afraid of heights and actually enjoy them (see the picture of me at the Grand Canyon, sitting on the edge).

The adventure would be supervised by a professional group with safety measures in place, including a harness, a helmet, and multiple backup ropes. They held a practice rappelling exercise (granted it was 5 stories, not 31) however, I got the feel of the process and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Last Friday was the big day. I went to Philadelphia and rappelled down 31 stories from the One Logan Square building. Typing that sentence is pretty cool. I can really say I did that.

There were supporters both above and below and it was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! From that crucial moment when I let myself off the building and relied on the ropes to hold me, to taking my time and enjoying the fantastic view on the way down, even the times struggling to find my rhythm. I’m not sure if I ever really found it (I was hanging from the side of a building) but my heart was pounding and I enjoyed every single second.

…going on vacation, starting a new service for your clients, building an innovative contraption, rappelling down a 31-story building…sometimes the voice is right and knows before you do.

Be open to those thoughts and understand that every day brings the potential for new adventures. The naysayers will always be there. Remember that sometimes you and you alone are the only one saying yes. And that is okay. Just be sure to have a safety net in place.

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