Sometimes Its Better Not to Look

I have always loved hiking. Hiking, for me, provides the opportunity to be connected with nature in a way that allows me to feel relaxed while still getting exercise. Growing up, several of my friends shared this interest with me, and we often ventured along scenic paths or high adventure trails. This past summer, a group of three friends and I decided to venture along a popular hiking route headed towards a small collection of falls.

Throughout the hike, we followed a winding stream uphill through the woods in search of this acclaimed water falls area. The temperature was in the high 80s, and we began to sweat heavily. The idea of a pool of water became more alluring the longer we hiked. According to a few friends who had visited the site prior, several ledges were also available to jump into the water. Additionally, we heard that the water was icy cold because its source was an underground spring. All of these factors combined in encouraging us to keep hiking up the small mountain.

When we finally reached our destination, my vision was filled with a large wall of water rushing over the edges of rocks into a pool below. Beside the pool of clear liquid, small, jagged rocks climbed even higher than the falls. Several hand holds were visible and we saw how one could definitely climb to the top if they so chose. Soon after our arrival, we had taken off our shoes and waded into the icy water. The rocks beneath the surface were slippery and shallow.

Near the far end of the pool, the clear water transitioned to a completely black color. This color change indicated a deep hole within the rocks that continued down for several feet. The hole was only a about a dozen feet across. Mystery and caution filled our minds as we thought about how far down the hole really went.

Soon enough, a kid our age appeared along the trail and told us that this was his favorite location. He told us stories of how his group of friends would jump from the ledges into the hole in the bottom of the pool floor. He told us that jumping off was one of the most exciting activities to do on the trail. After a few minutes of convincing, I found myself standing at the top of a ledge, looking down into the dark circle of water below.

My friends were too scared to take the leap at first, for fear of touching the bottom of the hole. On the other hand, I refused to look down as I leaped off the ledge and flew through the air. The icy water rushed around me as I flew into the hole in the bottom of the pool. My feet touched the bottom and I kicked off back to the surface. After my leap, all of my friends followed suit.

This story taught me many valuable lessons. First, I learned that sometimes doing things that scares you can be the most rewarding. I also learned that sometimes its better not to look before you leap. Overthinking in situations can get in the way of making a successful "jump," and others will always rely on you to make a decision. In life, I try to not over analyze situations, and to simply jump.

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Image provided by emifaulk