“You can do it, just drop the bungee”

Just like that, we made our reservation. With little time to plan our second weekend away, we didn’t think through our decision. Conveniently, this also left no time for me to inform my parents of the jump I was scheduled to make Sunday morning.

Almost forgetting the purpose of our stay in San Jose Saturday night, we checked into our hostel, walked around the main street, bought ripped movies, ate dinner and listened to famous street performers. After relaxing on the rooftop of our hostel and enjoying the cool evening and city lights, we went to bed early, knowing we needed to be rested in order to achieve perfect form on our swan dives the following morning.

My day started with a jump, as I was startled in my bed by a strange man calling out “Peter?” and shining his lighter on my face. Despite this rude early morning awakening, we all somehow managed to sleep thru my alarm. Not to worry, our shuttle hadn’t left us and we arrived at the Old Colorado Bridge to test our fates around 9 am.

Dan jumped first. His flawless swan dive made it seem so easy. This was going to be cake. Why were we even nervous?

“I felt like I was going to die!”

Thanks, Dan. We’re all so excited to jump now.

No matter, Kurt took his tumble of faith second and finished with a beaming smile. It was my turn. I’d had enough time to think about it, now it was just time to do it. Without wasting any time, I walked to the edge of the platform, took one look down at the river canyon below and took one deep breath, dropped the bungee and leaped out as far out as I could.

Then I screamed. The realization hit, I just threw myself off a bridge!? What was I thinking?! Ohh, but how exhilarating it was. The thrilling screams turned to uncontrollable laughter. I was so high on adrenaline, I couldn’t control my giddiness. Suddenly it all just seemed so hilarious. Why do people, why did I, throw myself off a bridge, just for fun? And why was I so scared to do it? Suddenly problems and stresses of life seemed so trivial.

Things are never as big or important as we make them out to be in our own minds. Instead of worrying, a lo hecho pecho, things will work out the way they’re meant to. And for now, I just focus on loving every moment I’m living.

With no way to articulate this sensation and clarity to Maisie after I was right side up again, she was letting her nerves spin out of control. After many checks of her carabineers and skeptical looks at the worker, she inched her way onto the platform. A few more minutes of encouragement and she finally let go of the bungee and the countdown began. 5-4-3-2-1, sure enough, into the canyon she went, screaming just like I did.

My parents and friends asked me why I do these crazy things. I used to think I just liked the thrill, but now I realize there’s more to it. I do it for the combination of the anticipation before - followed by the hilarious realization after - that brings a sense of clarity to all aspects of my life.

I’m sorry mom, but I’d do it again.