Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps

"Something has changed within me.

Something is not the same.

I'm through with playing by the rules

Of someone else's game.

Too late for second-guessing.

Too late to go back to sleep.
It's time to trust my instincts,

Close my eyes: and leap!"

All my life, I've been totally complacent with following the rules, with accepting that I'm just an average girl who happens to be very passionate about lots of things. I would never do anything crazy, I would always be on my very best behavior, and let's be honest...

I am a straight up rule-follower.

The last day we were in the Switzerland, Natalie (Em's sister who has been with us) decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and sign up to go paragliding. 6,000 feet above the ground.

Of course, the moment I heard she was going, I was a little jealous for two reasons:

1) That she is the type of person who can just spontaneously decide to do something like this.

2) That she can afford it!

She then proceeded to invite me to go along with her, but like always, my decision was already made. There is no way. I, me, play-by-the-rules Ali Monsen could never do something like that.

Then I got thinking, and something totally dawned on me! I had this crazy epiphany that maybe these "rules" I've been following aren't even rules. Maybe they are merely my own benighted ideas. Maybe they are limitations that I have made for my own self... think about it! No one can limit me unless I let them, no circumstance can be too much for me unless I let it be, right?!

Well those days are over!! That is NOT who I want to be! I am only gonna be 18 and in the Swiss Alps once, and I wasn't about to pass this one up. I was soofreakingscared. I told Nat and Emily that I really truly knew I was going to die. I had written up letters to my family and closest friends in case I didn't make it...

But I was going to do this.

"I'm through accepting limits

'Cause someone says they're so.

Some things I cannot change

But till I try, I'll never know!"

We got up to the top of the mountain

and met our pilots/flying partners. My guy was named Ulli, he grew up in the Alps and had been flying for 25 years. I told him that if I died, my dad would hunt him down. He said, "Don't worry, Ali. You will be just fine. Just don't stop running when we take off. Run as fast as you can down the mountain, and do not hinder. GO FOR IT!"

I trusted Ulli; I had no choice but to trust him because it was too late to go back now!

We started to run. We ran faster and faster. My heart was a ticking bomb about to burst. Tears of complete fright streamed down, across my face, and into Ulli's.

And then it happened.

We majestically lifted off the ground and into the air! My tears of horror and fear suddenly turned into tears of overwhelming emotion rushing through my body. I was literally speechless. It was the first time in my life that I truly couldn't speak no matter how hard I tried. I was in awe at the beauty and at my own courage. It was almost a spiritual, ambrosial experience, unlike anything I've ever done. Ulli was a little worried because I wasn't responding to his questions, but after a little while, words came back to me and I had FUN!!!

The ride lasted about 20 minutes and I have to say...

I am so glad I didn't pass this one up.

Never again will I accept limits or take the time/chances I have for granted.

No matter what age or stage we are in at this point in our lives, may we remember to never limit ourselves, to live life to the fullest, and to defy gravity.