Jumps, Covid and me!

A couple of weeks ago on my birthday I went through one of the most memorable experiences in a long time. I skydived and even though it was a tandem jump I still feel overwhelmed with the intensity of the entire experience.

This is also something quite big and way out of my comfort zone in a long time, and as these events usually do, has made me think a lot about my-self in many contexts of work, home, relationships etc. Adding the layer of covid-19 on top makes this for a very heady cocktail to think through.

Here are my thoughts a few weeks after..

1. We all live under a set of assumptions (self-made or otherwise) which over a period of time becomes our truth; Covid-19 made us realize business travel is not really that necessary or 100% virtual work can be equally productive as physical teams. Just as I learnt, I didn’t need a couple of friends to jump with me from 15K feet
2. Step zero is even more difficult than the step one. it’s not what you do after being on the plane, it’s the courage to get on the plane what matters more. Once you are in, the adrenaline, your nerves, the sheer thrill and of-course your instructor would help you make the leap. As they say battles are won or lost in the mind and not just on the field.
3. Support system: This was a surprise gift for me till we reached the air strip and natural reaction was to say no way am doing it. My family talked me through the pros and cons and encouraged me to without judging me for wanting to walk away. Believe me what my girls think of me matters more to me than anything else in the world. Likewise having a support system at every stage in your career is so critical. Your own squad that helps you evaluate without bias & make tough calls, provides strength, tells you when your face is dirty, cheers you up when things go awry & stands steady by you as a rock, come what may!  
4. Staying firm on convictions: I had more than an hour after registration to the plane ride, I could have backed out at least a 100 times and claimed my full refund . This is where your own core belief takes center stage and you need to dive once the decision is made. I have started enough learning courses since march this year and haven’t finished many. Gives me a lot to think about.
5. Enjoy yourself: after the terrifying 15 mins of plane ride came the experience which will stay with me forever; freefall and the parachute ride were truly life altering! A few seconds when you pose for the photo while falling at 120 miles per hour makes you realize the value of one moment in life esp when the picture turns out as it has!
6. Do it when you can: Last year on one of the trips to an amusement park I chickened out from a roller coaster ride at the very last second, leaving my girls to have all the fun and thrill all by themselves. Let the parks open now, I am ready for the next fun ride.. do it, get confident, repeat. There is only that much time in a lifetime.

Looking forward to many more jumps and lessons in life!