Taking risks can be really tough. You completely jeopardize yourself by not listening to your instincts that are trying to protect you. There's a chance you will succeed and a chance you won't. Yet when this happens we always think of the worst, and this blocks our paths to new experiences. Although this bothersome feeling can sometimes be easy to push away, it always seems almost impossible when you don't know if this stunt will land you in a dangerous or safe outcome. Unfortunately, though, that's exactly how I felt as I slowly peeked over the towering edge before me two summers ago at Split Rock Falls.

     It was my first time cliff jumping; I had seen my sisters do it, but I had always been too terrified to do a stunt like that. Now that same stunt was only a few feet in front of me. It was too late now. I cautiously scaled my way up the jagged rocks as shivers ran down my back. The cool wind whirled around me as I made my way up.  It felt like my heart was beating out of my chest, yelling ¨Don't do it, and, Turn around! However, I kept climbing. As much as I was scared, I was determined too. I carefully stepped, trying not to slip on the wet rock, until I finally made it to my destination. I made it to the top.

     I slowly walked over to the edge and loomed over. The murky black water sat beneath me. Then I looked around me. The whole waterfall was rock, but right across were steep, mountain-like hills. Crooked, thin trees with few leaves were bunched together on the steep, colorful land. I looked back to what I was here for, and I felt my stomach sink again. The height from where I sat was about twenty feet, but those twenty feet felt like a thousand miles. 

     My heart yelled louder,  You can't do this! Just climb down!  However, it was too late now. I slowly got off my knees, trying to steady myself, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop shaking. Now it felt as if I was on top of a skyscraper. Goosebumps started to form on my arms as I imagined just how freezing the water was. But there was something in me. Something that was just able to drown out all of those thoughts, and that was willing to take a risk. I put one foot right onto the very edge. My legs retracted, like a spring, ready to bounce right into the air. It was like my mind wasn't in control of my body anymore. All my emotions and thoughts raced through my head, over crowding my mind, until it happened! I no longer felt the warm rock beneath me anymore. I had jumped.

     I plummeted through that wind, like a bobsled racing down a hill. I could feel my stomach turn, but it didn't bother me. It felt like I was skydiving, high up in the clouds. Nothing to stop me. I felt brave; I was proud of myself. I was happy I took a risk. The adrenalin rush kept running through my body. But just as quick as it started, it was over as I quickly sank into the frigid water below me.

     Risk taking can be tough, but it gives an outcome that's much worth it. This skill helps people grow strong, learn wisdom, and provide what we need to live a happy, fulfilling life. With daily practice, it opens many doors to new opportunities, yet in the end, you have to be willing to take the risk. 

-Jude B.