What’s the antidote to fear?

When I was in my twenties, a friend asked me if I could join him to do bungee jumping. At that time, I liked to practice different extreme sports, but I was not particularly interested in that one. However, at the last moment, I decided to join him.

I got up very early in the morning, and with a group of people who had also signed up for bungee jumping, we initiated our adventure to Autisha.

It took approximately 2 hours and a half to get to Autisha Bridge, which is located in Autisha Canyon, in Santa Eulalia Valley (73 km east of Lima, Peru). The free fall was 20 meters, and you remained suspended 140 meters above the ground.

All the way, people were sharing stories, and fear started to surround the group. It was the first time for the whole group and a group of journalists were joining us to share the history.

When we arrived, I was relatively calm, listening to the instructions and not knowing what it was that I didn't know.

People started to prepare, putting on their harnesses and helmets and checking all the safety systems. We had great weather, and everything was exciting. Without noticing, it was my turn. I still wasn't nervous, so without much hesitation and a smile, I jumped.

It was probably one of the worst feelings in my life. Suddenly, I was falling; I had a stomach-lurching sensation. I saw the rocks, the river, and a thousand images and questions passed through my head... you felt like nothing was holding you down... you're just falling. I was afraid.

From that experience, I can recall many learnings. My point of view of practicing extreme sports switched. But that wasn’t the biggest shift.

I wondered, What is it for? What was the purpose? Was it worth it? My world perspective changed.

Yes, it was worth it, not because of the adventure, but because it helped me question myself, look at my life from another perspective, and ask myself the meaning that I was pursuing.

My life perspective and meaning changed.

The antidote for fear is courage. But you need to have a meaningful purpose, so you take action because it is worth it.

When you walk uncertain roads, you can feel scared. But if you know that the journey that you are taking is important, that you have the possibility to do important work, share your learnings, help others, and add value... you are walking the path of possibilities.