The irony of being "Terrified of Heights"...

As you will notice, the blog you are currently reading is called terrified of heights, in reference to my twin sister's and my last name (Height). Although this goes much deeper than just that.

Melissa and I both have always had a 'fear of heights', standing by the edge of a rail that looked four stories down, or being on top of a building unprotected. Those situations we've just either avoided or just repressed the memories. So needless to say, when we both took to wind sports, (specifically Paragliding) people who knew us growing up found that rather odd.

At some point in the last 8 years, our fear of heights simultaneously disappeared. Not questioning why that was, we both decided to join in the fun of some extreme sports, including a 14,000 foot jump from a fully functioning plane, and the desire to undertake a pilots licence for a helicopter.

We live on the 'edge' now, looking down, from heights we never imagined before. We stopped letting fear sit in the drivers seat and took the wheel ourselves. That doesn't mean we don't encounter the rush of adrenaline when we get the first tug of the lines from a winch, we just know now to trust that what happens will happen, what will be will be. So no need to fear, just give in and enjoy the ride.

As I write this, it coincides with how I am attempting to look at my life on a grand scale as well. All fears are simply fears of the unknown. The ultimate fear is always the fear of death, as in being truly alone, not figuratively alone, I mean, no one is on that trip with you, it's only you. That's why it's feared. It's not possible to be human and have no fear at all in life, you may not be afraid of what others are, and you may not let your fears come to the surface, but surely there is one in there, buried deep down in each of us. If you look into that one, I guarantee it will always come back to the ultimate fear of the death/separation. Share your fear if you wish down in our comments.

Hamilton, Ontario

 

Oh Hamilton, Hamilton, how I constantly defend you. I stick up for you when people say you stink. I suggest they see your beauty behind your oh so obvious flaws. Telling people about hidden and wondrous places you have, has become almost second nature. Although sometimes I think it falls on deaf ears as your image and reputation has become so deeply tarnished.

 

 

My world was once like those who mock you, seeing you as pathetic and having nothing good to offer, this sort of things happen when you grow up in places like Burlington.

My first realisation of your mass potential was when I clued into how malleable you are. You have been crying out for someone or something to take hold of you and make you a first class city. No one had been listening to those cries, till these last few years. Some say it’s too late to change you, I beg to differ. You want this, you need this, you must have this or you will die, Hamilton, and you know this. Only in the last few years have your folk actually been taking their heads out of the sand, long enough to see it’s safe to invest in you and your future.

 

Your image must be presented to a new crowd of people who actually care for your wellbeing. Yes, you have some sketchy areas to improve on. Yes, some of your folk are not the most appealing. Yes, you have had scars put on you. I believe that all these things can be changed, not just by words, not just to pander to big businesses in hopes that they will take you under their wing. But by action from the ones who care for you. This Hamilton is your intervention. No longer will I sit idly by and watch you, be destroyed.

 

You are better than what people have told you. The folk you have will be better, healthier, stronger more determined people! When lead by the ones who truly care for you, for them, for us.

 

Stand Hamilton; take your rightful place as a world class city for the ages.