The View from Above - Thoughts on Dreaming Big, Fear of Heights, and Moving Forward

By Mary Jedde - January 17, 2021

Someone once told me that it's not really the height of the building that's scary but rather the sensation of falling that makes someone shudder at being in high-rise places. And it made me think. Perhaps the real fear of people isn't in the idea of dreaming big but in the idea of failing on the way to reaching those dreams, or worse, becoming a failure themselves before they even start.

The grandiosity of the fact that dreams do come true is like a double-edged sword. It can be so inspiring that it sparks action, but it can also be so terrifying that it stops someone in their tracks. Dreaming big in a post-pandemic world doesn't make it easier too. Without one's knowledge, anything can happen and with a snap of a finger, everything can just disappear and completely change. Sometimes, it can be a little too dumbfounding and quite disheartening.

I've always been scared of heights. My legs would shake, my heart would beat so fast as though it wants to escape from my chest. I would turn pale and I would freeze. I never liked heights.

But you know what, there is something fascinating about heights too. It allows me to witness an entire skyline that's filled with flickering city lights once the sun sets on the horizon, it makes me appreciate the sunrise as it peeks over the thick dawn clouds, and it makes me feel the cool breeze on my skin - a certain coolness that can only be felt when I'm up there.

When I'm in that space, I would forget that my legs even shook, or my heart beat fast out of fear and that I was ever pale. All I could remember is the magnificence of the view and the enormous amount of wonder in my eyes and oh boy, does it make me feel lighter, braver, and more courageous to take on life with vigor again.

So, if you ever feel a little fearful of dreaming big because you're afraid you might fail, look up at the stars, or the skyline, or the sunrise. Because sometimes, that's all you need to continue, and that can be enough. Live on!

Love,

Mary Jedde

The author of this blog is plain and simple. She thinks mostly of the usual things - life, love, beauty. She enjoys the basic necessities like food, warmth, blankets, and music. She gets thrilled with the idea of an adventure but doesn't really like to go on one, unless her spontaneity kicks in. She's got a fire in her belly most days, but enjoys the leisure of being in bed at the same time. Odd. Weird. Plain. Simple. Mary Jedde. An old soul, a lifelong learner, and a flourishing human being.