My friend Jessie jumped out of a plane. She did it on purpose, and she loved it. I had the extreme pleasure of hearing her retell her experience, with vivid detail. She is an extraordinary story teller. I know other people who have jumped out of planes. On purpose. I’ve never understood what compels them to do this. I’m a chicken. A fraidy cat. A wuss. Whatever. I don’t jump out of airplanes. At least I never have before, and I honestly don’t anticipate partaking in that particular activity any time in the future, but you just never know.

Here’s the thing about Jessie’s story that really made me stop and think: she was scared, really scared, but she did it. Not only did she do it, but she put on a brave face (for the handsome photographer that she was paying to capture the event) and then she actually enjoyed it. Loved it, in fact. Hmmmm. Maybe there’s something to this. Let me see if I’ve got this:

1. Set a big, but attainable goal

2. Alert the media (ok, friends and other supporters)

3. Show up

4. Allow yourself to be scared

5. Do it anyway

6. Smile big

7. Enjoy the experience

There is definitely a life lesson here. I’ve got some big goals, many of them are posted on the 47 for 47 challenge page.  I’m alerting the media (via this blog and other outlets) and I’m showing up. I’m frequently scared (sometimes of failure, but also of success), but I’m putting on my smile, and mustering through it.  I just need to learn to enjoy the experience. I’m still not jumping out of any planes, though. At least not on purpose.