Some people skydive for fun
For some people, free-falling through the sky is a major phobia.
For others, it's a genuine thrill.
The difference?
- Story
- Equipment and preparation
- Support
Telling yourself that free-falling through the sky (period) equals certain death will surely lead to phobia -- with good reason! Free-falling through the sky without proper equipment, preparation, and support will lead to a landing you will very likely not survive (see this video for tips for increasing your chances, in case you're curious... or want to give your stomach a nice little flip flop).
Telling yourself that free-falling through the sky on your own, without a parachute or training equals certain death is more accurate. The phobia might still be there, but you've clarified it in detail for your brain so that there's space for other possibilities.
The story people who do it for fun tell themselves goes something like:
Free-falling from the sky with a parachute and proper training/support is absolutely exhilarating (just so you know, I'm not one of these people -- but bear with me, for the sake of the illustration).
Sky diving is an extreme example, but the point is this: taking risks feels scary. It's the type of story, combined with preparation/equipment and support that makes it either legitimately scary or the thrill of a lifetime.
As always, we get to choose.
