The Joy of the First Time – ‘I Jumped Off a Mountain’

This past week, I had one of those incredible “firsts” that completely shifted my perspective. I went paragliding! And not just anywhere – it was from the Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, India, which they claim is the world’s second-highest paragliding point. No big deal, right? Except…well, I’ve never paraglider before in my life.

First, they took me to the mountain peak around some 8100 feet above. And then as I stood there, just before the takeoff, my instructor told me to run towards the edge of the mountain with every force I had. I was seeing the deepest cliff in front of me I’ve ever seen with my eyes. There were only mountains and alpine trees all around me.

My whole body was surrounded by a lot of ‘What If’ scenarios. Again & again I was asking myself – “Am I really ready for this?”

But the second I launched myself off that cliff, it all melted away. All that was left was the appreciation and realization of how big & precious the world really is.

Soaring above the Himalayas, the snow-capped peaks beside me, it was like the world opened up in a way I never imagined. I see the horizons and the universe much closer to me. Everything suddenly felt simpler, smaller worries just faded away. It was like I had unlocked a whole new dimension of joy, the kind that can only be found in those first-time experiences.

After I returned home, it got me thinking –

Why do first-time experiences matter so much?

Well, this isn’t just about paragliding, though that was pretty epic. First-time experiences matter because they push us outside our comfort zones. They remind us that fear can be a big, fat liar, and sometimes you gotta grab life by the horns and just go for it.

Remember that first hike you took, even though your legs screamed? That feeling of accomplishment after reaching the peak? The first time you get that 1 like on your blog? That’s the magic of firsts. Because the funny thing is – the most incredible things in life happen just beyond the edge of what we think we’re capable of.

To be honest, I remember the fear when I hiked for the first time in the mountains. I still sometimes hesitate for a second before tackling a new mountain. But you know what? If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll even go for higher mountains, higher paragliding points, higher skydiving, higher bungee jumping, and eventually higher me.

And while I might not have all the time in the world, every first-time experience is a chance to grow, to learn, and to feel truly alive. I wanna feel this world, this universe.

Next time you get that chance to try something new, something a little scary, take a deep breath and just go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve, and how much bigger the world feels when you see it from a new perspective.

After all, life’s a journey, and the best journeys are filled with amazing first times!

You may also want to read: What Happens When You Start Something New?

Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear, he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear, he is a liar

Zach Williams – Fear Is a Liar Song