I believe in regularly challenging my fears.
Even though research shows that one of the biggest ways to tackle an anxiety is through exposure (hats off to my master’s program in psychology), I’m not sure it’s getting better. I know, theoretically, I should be less afraid but each anxiety-confronting experience is still soul-crushingly terrifying.
Yet somehow so worth it.
I leave each experience with more courage, a better understanding of the world, and a stronger belief in my own abilities… along with greater trust in the universe.
Cheesy? Maybe (usually). Genuine? Definitely.
In Belize, yet another opportunity to challenge my fears, specifically my fear of heights, appeared: parasailing.
I was even more motivated than usual to try this activity for one very important, near and dear reason: my adrenaline junkie husband was with me.
This guy revels in all the things that make my stomach turn. Cliff jumping, scuba diving, motorcycle driving. He’s even jumped out of planes…
But I digress. We were at Victoria House in Ambergris Caye for a (well deserved) second honeymoon and I KNEW he would love to go parasailing in Belize.
I set it up and acted like I was soooo excited for it, when in reality I was actually nauseous with fear.
Even the parasail instructor noticed it as he gently, laughingly, suggested I try smiling like I’m not scared to death for the photo.
my best try at not looking terrified
Hehehe… but seriously.
Was it as scary as I was expecting?
Um, yes.
Totally.
how I really felt
I was probably even more scared than I’d expected, especially at first.
You’re strapped into a parachute straining on the end of an impossibly thin rope. Get real.
I squeezed the handgrips so hard my entire arms burned and then went numb by five minutes into it and I was relying on straight adrenaline and fear to power me through.
But was it worth it?
Definitely.
If I had the opportunity, I’d jump at parasailing in Belize again. It was an incredible way to see Ambergris Caye island and the MesoAmerican reef from above. It was romantic and a bonding experience to do something so memorable with my husband (I also think it would be a crazy cool way to propose, for any of you nutty adrenaline addicts out there).
If you’ve been considering trying parasailing anywhere in the world, Belize should be a top contender.
First, the scenery is absolutely awe-inspiring. Parasailing in Belize along Ambergris Caye provides some ridiculous views. You’ll be flying over the second largest barrier reef on one side, and a gorgeous tropical island on the other.
Next, Belize has strict safety standards due to the importance of the industry tourism to the economy. Also just incredibly good customer service, especially compared to many other places in Latin America.
Finally, you don’t have to worry about a language barrier (potentially life-threatening, as evidenced by the tourist who died bungee jumping) when parasailing in Belize, as the national language is English.
Choose your company wisely, and pay attention to your instructor. I went with Belize Parasail (the same company that rocked my snorkel experience) and felt beyond safe and secure with their experienced instructor and captain leading the way. There is a lot that can go dangerously wrong, and you want to be sure you choose a company that keeps your safety first and foremost.
It was a lot easier for me to try to relax and enjoy the experience when I trusted the people manning the boat and the parasail.
Pin Parasailing in Belize!
Would you ever try parasailing in Belize?
Have you tried parasailing anywhere else in the world?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
