Leaping

Photo by Aylea Maxwell-Miller

To get a job, pride cannot be an issue. Job hunting might as well be considered the same as cliff jumping. The longer wait causes more stress and chance of backing out. When rock jumping into California rivers, I learned this lesson the hard way. One experience of this fear remains a vivid memory. It was a lovely day at the river spot Yellow Tractor, in Humboldt Co. The secluded beach attracted many of my friends despite the 30 minute dirt mountain road we had to forgo in order to relax for a day at the river. Sitting for a half an hour on top of the 30-foot jump that thousands had jumped safely before me did not do miracles for my morale or pride. As I sat watching all my friends swimming and playing at the bottom, my heart raced. I contemplated climbing down, but the embarrassment, also overwhelming, kept me staring down at what I knew would be the jump to my death. Finally, I did it. The rush invigorating, the time in the air long, and the landing--painless, what was I worried about? The stress of the whole situation could have been easily avoided. I’ve decided I will approach my job hunt in the same manner, not to say I won't need to give myself the routine pep talk before diving in, but I won't linger. St. Thomas, watch out, I’m ready to dive in.