Fear Lies, Freedom Doesn’t: What Skydiving Taught Me About Burnout, Resistance & Joy
Have you ever dreamed about something for years, only to feel total resistance the moment it became real?
That was me recently. Skydiving had been on my bucket list forever. But when I finally booked my jump, paid my deposit, and locked it in…suddenly, fear took the wheel.
When Fear Speaks Louder Than Desire
In the days leading up to the jump, my mind threw every possible objection at me:
“You’re exhausted; maybe you should cancel.”
“What if you get sick?”
“Maybe the harness won’t fit and you'll fall out!”
These fears felt real, but underneath them, the truth was simple—I was deeply afraid because I was standing at the threshold of something huge and unknown. My logical brain, doing what it always does, tried to “protect” me. But this protection was really just resistance in disguise.
The Moment of Truth
As we climbed in altitude, my anxiety peaked. My mind screamed, "You can't do this!"
But here’s the magic: the instant I jumped, all fear evaporated. I felt no stress, no worry—only delight, freedom, and the incredible sensation of floating.
In that moment, high above the earth, something clicked. I saw clearly how often we let our brains lie to us, making mountains out of molehills, catastrophizing about events that haven’t even happened.
Lessons From the Skydive
Here’s what my leap taught me about fear, burnout, and nervous system regulation:
Fear is loudest right before expansion.
The closer you get to your desires, the louder your fears become. They’re a sign you’re close, not a reason to back away.Resistance isn't intuition.
Our minds resist change, even when it’s positive. Learning to distinguish fear from genuine intuitive warning is key.Your nervous system needs intentional care.
My calm state before the jump was a testament to the nervous system practices I regularly engage in—like breathwork—to help regulate stress responses.Joy deserves to be loud.
After landing, I jumped, danced, and laughed. Joyful expression isn’t frivolous—it’s medicine.We waste tremendous energy on imaginary fears.
It’s astonishing how much mental energy we spend on things that may never happen. Conserving that energy allows for clarity, creativity, and genuine rest.
Somatic Journaling Prompt
Take a moment right now. Close your eyes and think of something you deeply desire but are resisting. Notice where this resistance lives in your body. Breathe into it. Ask yourself, “Is this fear true or just loud?” Journal about your experience.
Ready to Leap Through Your Fear?
If your nervous system is craving support, clarity, and relief, I'd love for you to join my breathwork membership, An Hour of F*cking Relief. Together, we breathe, heal, and break through resistance to reclaim joy and ease.
