Strive to Live Brightly

I recently read that Hydrangea flowers are in tune with the 3rd Chakra, which is “the center of your self-esteem, your willpower, your self-discipline, as well as, warmth in your personality.” They are also a symbol of creating one’s destiny and how we respond to the winds of change in our lives.  A couple of years ago, I made the leap of a lifetime out of a plane at 18,000 feet, harnessed with a tandem instructor.  My heart was pounding as I slid towards the open door, the wind filling the plane’s cabin forcing me to clutch tightly to the sides to pull myself up.  With my feet at the edge and facing the prop blast, I somehow heard the instructor’s “1, 2, 3 JUMP!”  Without hesitation, I leapt into the sky.  Freefalling at 120 mph, looking at the world upside down, there was no time to comprehend the sheer terror from what I was doing.  With the help from my tandem instructor, who’s name I have forgotten, I found myself upright, releasing the parachute so I could calmly direct and ride the winds.  The views were amazing as was the entire experience.  Upon landing, with shaking legs and on an extreme Adrenaline rush, with the markings of the goggles imprinted around my eyes, I was excited and completely free.  This was one of my bucket list items that I never really thought I’d ever do.  Turns out it was a surprise gift that I was ill-prepared for, and only found out once I was at the airfield!!  Rather than back out, I chose to go for it. 

Hydrangeas have always been a favorite of mine.  Beautiful reminders to grab life and live brightly.