At the Edge

Our family had a wonderful vacation on the east coast in mid-August and I learned something about them and myself. They love edges. Yup they walk right up to them and look over. Could be the rail of a boat, a look out (or look “off “depending upon where you are) over the Atlantic Ocean, or a hiking path along the Cabot Trail. My husband and my son go straight to the edge. No worries. No fears. Just a need to see as much as they can from the edge.

I, on the other hand, am not that kind of edge person. I’m genuinely afraid of heights and I approach edges (even those with stout barriers) with caution and baby steps. I sometimes envy my men and their openness to the edge. I count myself brave when I stand beside them, but it doesn’t always last and there are times when I have to turn back or block my view of the sea and the cliffs and remember to breathe as we drive along a switchback in the Cape Breton Highlands.

Do I feel a desperate need to change my approach to edges? No, not really. I have my small conquests and the view is just fine a few steps back.  I have my own edges that I inhabit, that lead me to take risks, change jobs, approach editors, stand in front of people and speak or lead a group, and put my writing ‘out there’ to be reviewed and critiqued by others. I’ve walked to many in the past and I intend to keep on doing so. I embrace those edges with a blend of fear and anticipation in varying proportions. Those edges are enough for me.

Are you an edge person? What kind of edges do you inhabit?

2 thoughts on “At the Edge”

  1. I don’t consider myself much of a risk taker, although I am far braver now than I once was. Time has a way of changing us so who knows how I will answer that same question a year from now.

    Have never been the the Cabot Trailb ut would one day love to go.

    Reply
    • I’m much braver now than I once was, too. I used to be terrified of spiders, but now I can pick them up and toss them out of the way. I couldn’t do rollercoasters either, but a trip to DisneyWorld a couple of years ago but that fear to rest. I think it’s great that we don’t stay the same and that we meet new challenges without relying on old reactions. I encourage you to visit the Cabot Trail when you can. To explore some of the trails, too, you’ll need a couple of days. Took my breath away–the bits I could look at anyway. ; )

      Reply

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