Going up one step at a time

I have a fear of heights. It's not something I like to talk about, but it's something that I've had to deal with for most of my life. It's not a debilitating fear, but it's one that has kept me from doing some things that I really want to do. For example, I've never been able to go skydiving or rock climbing. But that doesn't mean I've let my fear stop me from living my life. I've found ways to work around it and still do things that I enjoy.

I remember going to an amusement park when I was younger and riding Gondol with my mom. The view was incredible. But then, something happened. I don't know what it was, but suddenly, I felt like I was going to fall. My heart started racing, I started to sweat, and I couldn't breathe. It felt like the world was spinning around me and I was going to vomit. My mom had to hold me the whole time until the ride finally ended. Ever since then, I've been petrified of heights. Just thinking about being up high makes my heart race and my stomach turn. It's a crippling fear that has stopped me from doing a lot of things in life. But, I'm working on it. Slowly but surely, I'm trying to face my fears head on.

I was standing on the first step, looking up at the sky above me. I could feel the wind blowing through my hair and beard and the sun shining on my face. I was about to take a step forward when I suddenly felt fear grip my heart. I couldn't move. I was frozen in place, afraid to take even one step forward. I don't know how long I stood there, but eventually, I summon all my courage and took a step forward. Then another and another. With each step, my fear receded until finally, I reached the top. Looking down, I could see how far I'd come and felt a sense of accomplishment. It wasn't easy, but facing my fear was something that needed to be done. Now, every time I look back at that experience, I feel proud of myself for overcoming my fear even once.