As a teenager, I visited Eglin Air Force Base in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. I think the Blue Angels were performing at the airshow later in the day. My friends and I visited an assortment of airplanes on display. I jumped in a F14 Tomcat and sat behind the wheel, chilling like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. After the show, I headed over to a zipline set up by the airmen. After I climbed to the top of the platform, I stood looking out over the vast air force base. I peeked over the edge. Big mistake. I'm not normally afraid of heights. I was actually leaning to fly a plane at the time. My uncle had spent all summer giving me lessons. I never got my pilot's license due to the fact you had to fly solo. I was way too afraid I'd pass out, hit a flock of birds, or get shot out of the sky by a group of Russian MIGs.
The airman helped me into the gear and attached the hook to the zipline. He said, "Count to three and jump." Hahaha!" I laughed and said, "That's not going to happen. You're going to have to push me off this thing." He counted out loud, "One," and pushed.
Sometimes we just need someone to push us over the edge and out of our comfort zone, out of the rejection blues and back into writing. Don't let a little rejection or bad review get you down. Let it be a learning experience and move on. Stuck in a rut or a safe zone? Get out and get flying, I mean get writing!
It's been loads of fun getting to know all of my fellow a to z'ers! I'm looking forward to staying in touch with all of you. WE MADE IT!!!
#atozchallenge #amwriting #topgun
(Photo credits: free images)
I don't like heights, but I'd try ziplining.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the Challenge!
Wonderful post! I don't mind heights, but I'm not a huge fan of the idea of falling :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the challenge! I thought I followed after seeing your comment on my blog (thanks to Alex's post). Whoops! Took care of that!
Happy Wednesday,
Jen
Great advice. I need to push myself out into query-ville. Congrats on finishing the challenge.
ReplyDeleteSo glad we got to meet- I look forward to continuing to follow your blog :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the funniest thing, Jennifer! I'm glad he was ballsy and had no fear of being sued and pushed you off. I'm sure it was a great experience even if it was scary. I enjoyed all your posts. Congrats on finishing the A-Z!! :)
ReplyDeleteCan you even sue the government/armed forces? LOL! :) Thanks!
DeleteGreat advice, Jennifer. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone and take the leap/plunge. Its been great getting to know you. Looking forward to keeping in touch with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat? You were that close and didn't get your license? That's a crime, isn't it? ;) I agree we need a push every now and then. It's because my hubby pushed me that I'm published. I was happy to just sit on my stories and casually write. He might be regretting his decision now.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a blast hanging out through the A to Z. I don't know what your regular schedule is like, but I hope to see you around!
True Heroes from A to Z
Great advice! I think I've gotten the push before even when I didn't realize it at the time.
ReplyDeleteA-Z: done! Yay!
My husband would have LOVED to do all that! He was in college for aviation right after Top Gun came out, so you can imagine the Tom Cruise wannabes he met while in school.
ReplyDeleteLOL, smart man for not counting to three! :) Great post for Z, and a great message to end this crazy month. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteDid you at least enjoy the ride? (My niece loves ziplining.)
ReplyDeleteLiz A. from Laws of Gravity
The most growth occurs outside the comfort zone. Congratulations on finishing the A-Z challenge!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to be successful is to leave our comfort zones.
Finally returning the visit from way back in April!
ReplyDeleteI think I would be terrified of flying alone. You're absolutely right about that whole needing a push thing!
Congrats on finishing the challenge :)
Sam
Writing Through College
Hello from a former Missourian. My family and I went to a zipline course last year. I don't care for rollercoasters, so I just watched from the ground my my wife and two kids ran the course. Didn't look as bad as I thought. Maybe next time.
ReplyDelete