iZip — Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Seven life lessons learned while ziplining through the Smoky Mountains.

“You’re going to what?” my husband asked when I told him I would be zip lining through the Smoky Mountains. I admit this type of activity is not generally my cup of tea. However, over the last year or so I’ve been trying to step outside my comfort zone.

If you’re never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances.
— Julia Sorel (Rosalyn Drexler), See How She Runs, 1978

The thing is… I thought New York City was not going to be my “cup of tea.” But you know what? I was absolutely smitten with the city’s energy and won over by the beauty of the architecture. I was equally impressed as I flew (aka zipped) through the skies of Sevierville, Tennessee.

7 Ziplining Life Lessons

Ziplining was an amazing experience. Below are seven life lessons I learned while ziplining through the Smoky Mountains.

1. Enjoy the wait.

I sat back and enjoyed my wait on the shaded decks at Fox Fire Adventures. While chatting with friends, I admired the beautiful twig chairs. Some of the country dogs roaming the property sat lazily next to the rockers. They seemed indifferent to the children gleefully patting their heads. Waiting can be wonderful if you accept it as part of the adventure.

2. Take a leap of faith.

We prepped for our first real zip line. It was just a few yards and not too far from the ground. One, two, three… jump. You literally walk down an angled wood plank, take a leap of faith and fly.

3. Don’t be afraid to say, “This is scary.”

One of the members of our group had a slight fear of heights. Her anxiety increased as we went through the course. Her openness allowed everyone in our group to admit, “Yes, this is scary.” and talk about our fear along with our excitement.

4. Jump even if you cannot see the destination.

We did a zip-line that ran 1,500 yards. You literally could not see the landing platform on the other side. Still, you take that leap of faith, trusting you’ll make it safely to the other side.

5. Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

On the longer lines, you need to position your body to gain speed to ensure you make it to the landing pad on the other side. Let’s just say my travel partner, didn’t quite make it all the way across.

It was a Titanic moment: she made it to the landing pad, was reaching for the instructor’s hand, was within inches, but then very slowly started slipping backward.

6. Embrace the moment.

Her eyes got wide in panic as gravity pulled her back to the center of the line. However, once she stopped zipping backward, she patiently waited as one of the assistants helped her.  She explained that once she knew what was happening, she simply accepted the situation. This allowed her to sit like a bird on a wire and soak-in the beauty of the view.

7. Let go.

Literally, I let go. On the last zip line, I put my feet up on the handle bars, opened my arms and flew down the zip line upside down. Sometimes you can be awed by your own courage, but it begins with that first leap of faith.

Who knew zip lining could reinforce so many life lessons?

Ok people, I’m hooked. iZip. Have you ever zipped? Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear the story of your adventure.

*All photos courtesy of Fox Fire Adventures, except that beautiful rocker and hilarious flying pig. Those I shot while enjoying the wait. Aka, lesson#1 my friends!

The good folk of Sevierville, Tennessee invite me and a few other bloggers down to check out their city. They were a gracious host, all travel and activities expenses were covered by the Chamber of Commerce. As always, I am honored to share my adventures with you.
Stay tuned for more updates!