Fear is an integral part of human nature, for better or worse. It stops us from taking dangerous risks and making foolhardy decisions. But it also prevents us from trying new things, stepping outside our comfort zones, and truly testing our limits. What if, for just one day, we could silence that voice of fear in our minds? Without the constant warnings and negativity fear breeds, what exciting adventures could we embark on? If I woke up one morning completely devoid of fear, here are three crazy exploits I would throw caution to the wind and just go for.
Wingsuit Proximity Flying
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Wingsuit flying involves skydiving in a wingsuit and gliding frighteningly close to objects before finally deploying a parachute. It merges skydiving and BASE jumping into one heart-pounding, high-speed adventure. Hurtling past cliffs, through narrow cave openings, and down mountainsides at over 100mph is not for the weak of spirit – one tiny mistake can spell disaster. But for a completely fearless me? I’d take proximity flying to the extreme, zipping through tiny gaps between buildings and skimming treetops at outrageously dangerous speeds. The intensity and exhilaration would be unmatched! Sure, I might clip an outcropping or crane, but I’m not afraid of injury or death! After a wild ride of dicey maneuvers and near misses, I’d proudly review the footage as I heal in the hospital.
Big Wave Surfing
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I’ve always been enthralled watching surfers take on towering walls of water in competitions. But charging massive, unpredictable swellsrequires skill, resolve, and a high threshold for danger. Fight or flight kicks in for most when faced with a dark, building mountain of raging surf – but wiping out can mean broken bones or even drowning. However, fearless me would gladly ditch the smaller waves and paddle straight into swirling behemoths like Jaws and Mavericks. Balancing atop a 50-foot moving liquid wall or getting pummeled in the churning froth below poses no threat when physical harm is no concern! I’d either ride one of the most epic waves of my life or take a world-class beating. Either way, I’m sure the footage would become a viral sensation!
Lion Conservation Wrestling
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Wrestling a lion may seem foolish and suicidal, but it plays a critical role in wildlife conservation. Handlers will grapple lions to monitor health, assist with medical procedures, and resolve conflicts with humans. It can be highly dangerous though – one small mistake and that big cat will either maul or kill you. Most trainers admit to intense fear facing these powerful predators in such close proximity. But I have no such inhibitions! I’d join conservationists in Africa, fearlessly wrestling, wrangling and roughhousing with lions to aid in their research and protection. I’d happily let a huge male lion pin me to the ground, clamp its jaws on my shoulder, or chase me up a tree! Withstanding injuries comes with the job when you tangle with megafauna. It may be hazardous work, but it’s also incredibly badass and meaningful. Who’s afraid of a big kitty cat? Certainly not me!
While I wouldn’t actually attempt these crazy stunts and dangerous encounters, imagining a day without fear holding me back is intriguing. Perhaps a healthy sense of caution isn’t such an awful thing after all! But it’s fun to envision throwing all concerns about safety and logic to the wind every once in awhile. What exhilarating adventures would YOU embark on if you woke up feeling totally and utterly fearless?