Lessons from the Ride — Five Seconds of Courage

Lessons from the Ride

Five Seconds of Courage

A story. A lesson. A challenge.

Welcome back to Lessons from the Ride.

Every journey includes moments that ask more of us than we think we can give. Sometimes all that stands between the life we have and the life we could experience is a single courageous decision. This edition is about finding five seconds of courage—and discovering what can happen when we do.

The Ride

As long as I can remember, I've been afraid of heights.

Maybe not rational.

But definitely real.

Three years ago, my mom shared that riding in a hot air balloon was on her bucket list. I knew immediately I wasn't going.

Craig volunteered to go with my mom and dad.

Problem solved.

Or so I thought.

The morning we arrived at the launch site, they kept encouraging me to come. My fear kept answering for me.

“No.”

Then they all climbed into the basket.

And something happened I'll never forget.

They started chanting my name.

“Kathy! Kathy! Kathy!”

Suddenly, I realized I had a choice.

I could let fear make this decision for me…

or I could find five seconds of courage.

My heart was racing.

I climbed into the basket.

And something unexpected happened.

It was peaceful.

Beautiful.

Honestly… not scary at all.

That one decision gave me the confidence to do it again a couple of years later while we were traveling through India.

Ironically, that second balloon ride was far scarier.

Just before takeoff, they discovered a leak and literally duct taped the balloon before sending us up!

Thankfully, everything turned out just fine.

Those memories will last a lifetime.

I'm so glad I found five seconds of courage.

The Lesson

Fear isn't always a stop sign.

Sometimes it's simply a reminder that you're about to do something meaningful.

Most of us spend too much time waiting until we feel brave enough.

But courage rarely arrives first.

Sometimes all we need is five seconds.

Five seconds to raise our hand.

Five seconds to make the phone call.

Five seconds to start the conversation.

Five seconds to step into the basket.

Those few seconds can change far more than a single moment.

They can change the story you tell for the rest of your life.

Surprise Yourself

What's something you've been thinking about doing but have been afraid to try?

This week, don't worry about conquering the fear.

Just find five seconds of courage.

Maybe that's watching a video to learn more.

Maybe it's talking to someone who's already done it.

Maybe it's making the phone call.

Maybe it's taking the very first step.

You don't have to eliminate the fear.

You just have to keep it from making the decision.

What's one thing you'll give five seconds of courage this week?

Until Next Time…

Thanks for being here. I'm so glad you're part of this journey.

If today's story reminded you of someone who might need to hear it, I'd love it if you shared it with them.

P.S. What fear will you conquer next?