“We’re All Born With a Blank Slate — Why Trying New Things Feels So Scary” (And Why You Should Do It Anyway)
Fear and excitement look exactly the same from up here.
Parasailing over Ocean City, Maryland.
I didn’t know saying yes would unlock fears, old stories, and parts of myself I thought were long buried.
It was a warm, sunny summer day.☀️🌊👙
It was one of those perfect Delaware beach weekends. Friends came to visit. You didn’t need much convincing — because, well… beach town.
My friends Amy and Lori were in for the weekend (I love weekend visits), and somehow parasailing came up.
I was actually the first one to casually suggest it — fully assuming no one would actually take me seriously.
Spoiler alert: they did.
Amy instantly said, “Let’s do it.”
It was Fourth of July weekend. Before I fully process what was happening, she had already bought the tickets. We were going parasailing in Ocean City, Maryland.
Smiling on the outside. Negotiating with my fear on the inside.
Courage isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s just saying yes and staying.
Important detail:
I am terrified of heights. Like, really terrified.
I remember thinking, It’s probably not that bad… it’s over water, right?
(Delusional optimism at its finest.)😂
My friend is very convincing — the person who doesn’t ask, she informs. And suddenly, there was no backing out.
Lori even volunteered to stay home and watch Silas. At that point, there was officially no escape plan.
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Fear, But Make It Beautiful
So there I was, slowly being lifted into the air with Manny.
As we went higher and higher, I was trembling — like actually shaking. I barely look down. My hands were clammy, my legs were stiff, and my internal dialogue was very dramatic.
Manny held my hand and spoke calmly the entire time.
And then something shifted.
I looked out over the water.
The view was unreal.
Quiet. Peaceful. Beautiful.
What started as sheer panic turned into one of the most freeing moments I’ve ever experienced.
That single act — stepping outside my comfort zone and staying — unlocked something much bigger.
⸻
Some people overthink. Amy just buys the ticket.🎟️
Fear, nervousness, and excitement don’t feel different in your body.
Yet, they show up the same way.
Your heart starts racing.
Your hands get clammy.
Your stomach flips.
Your breath gets shallow.
The only difference isn’t what you’re feeling — it’s what you tell yourself it means.
Same adrenaline.
Same physical response.
Different meaning.
Most of the time, fear isn’t danger — it’s newness.
And new doesn’t mean bad.
It usually means growth. 😎
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Reinvention Is a Domino Effect
I’ve had to reinvent myself more times than I can count. It’s almost became a game to me. I have the mindset … the world is my oyster! I’m not a tree I’m never stuck!
And every time I’ve leaned in — even when I was scared — it created a domino effect. One brave decision unlocked the next.
That parasailing moment?
It freed me in ways I didn’t expect. This freedom extended not just over the water, but in other areas of my life too.
Now, when I feel fear creeping in, I ask myself:
What advice would I give someone else right now?
And then I take my own advice. (Mostly!)
Trying New Things Is Actually Cool
Learning to step outside your comfort zone.
Trying something new even when it feels uncomfortable.
Saying yes — even when your knees are shaking.
That’s not reckless.
That’s brave.
And sometimes, it’s exactly what you need.
These legs can take you anywhere — if you let them.
Your Turn (Comment Below 👇)
What’s one fear you’ve been wanting to overcome — or something new you’ve been scared to try?
I’d love to hear it.
A Local Tip If You’re Ever in Ocean City, MD…
Side note — because this matters.
The parasailing crew at Sea Rocket Adventures https://searocket.com/ocean-city/were incredible. They were calm, professional, and reassuring. Honestly, they were a BIG reason I felt SAFE during the experience. Their presence allowed me to stay up there long enough to actually enjoy it.
If you’re visiting Ocean City, MD, you might be looking for something thrilling. This activity will push you just outside your comfort zone. ☺️ It will be memorable. It is one of those worth-it experiences.👏👏
Sometimes the right people make all the difference when you’re trying something new.
I survived parasailing. What’s next — skydiving or karaoke night? You decide.
Maybe I’ll do it and share it here! I’m daring enough… as long as I have Manny by my side. 😉
If this resonated with you, your not alone.
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