A Recent Story about Truth Bombs and Facing Adversity

Last year, my first adventure at Treehoppers Aerial Adventure Park ended with me swearing off the Swiss Family Robinson-esque obstacle course permanently. Imagine an aerial playground set 50+ feet up in the trees—10 courses, over 100 elements including bridges, ladders, and ziplines—all sprawled across acres of forest.

Just 10 minutes in, a rogue zipline sent me crashing into a wooden platform, leaving me bloodied, bruised and sidelined for the remainder of the family’s outing vowing to never return to this death trap.

Fast forward to this last weekend, and there I was again, back at Treehoppers for my daughter’s 12th birthday. Despite my previous vow, there I stood, watching Brandy and a gaggle of fearless preteens disappear into the treetops.

In a last-minute surge of courage—or madness—I joined them, determined to face down my past and not to let the same course best me twice

History has a cruel sense of humor. The same zipline wreaked havoc once more, this time catapulting me into the platform with such force that my shoe flew off. Amid the chaos, my finger got crushed in the zipline pulley, splitting open. All while Brandy is laughing hysterically over my carnage.

I stumbled back to the familiar refuge of the picnic table, to sulk and bleed. As I settled into my pain, Brandy walks by and asks are you just going to sit here the whole time to which I responded yup. She then looks at me and says. Huh, that's not what a Rhino would do and walked off nonchalantly.

Her words hit hard, not with resentment, but with piercing truth. They were a challenge, a mic drop moment that I couldn’t ignore. After a brief moment of shock, I stood up, shook off the self-pity, and declared, “Let's Fulking Go.” I went back up, asked the staff for a harder course, and this time, I crushed it.

For the next few hours, I swung, climbed, and zipped through the courses. I was not just participating; I was reveling in the challenge, fueled by adrenaline and the unwavering support of my partner. It was a day of redemption, of proving to myself that the only real defeat is in not trying again.

This story is more than just a personal victory against a high-altitude obstacle course. It’s a testament to facing adversity, even when it comes barreling down a zipline. It's about the power of resilience and the importance of the people in our lives who push us beyond our limits. Brandy’s offhand comment was the catalyst for a renewed spirit and a victorious return to the treetops.

So here's to the Rhinos who face their challenges head-on. May we all find the strength to stand back up, dust ourselves off, and conquer our fears. After all, the greatest triumphs come not from easy wins, but from battles hard-fought and obstacles overcome. Let's Fulking do this.

#truthbomb #LFG #adversity