The Many Fears of Skydiving: Miranda’s Perspective
Many people look at skydivers as “dare devils” and people with no fear. Truth is, that’s exactly why we do it. Something about throwing yourself out of an airplane is intimidating to say the least. I started skydiving in 2020 when I did my first tandem at West Virginia Skydivers. I was instantly hooked, and my perspective on life was changed forever. I did 2 more tandems, and started my progression to obtaining my skydiving license. This is when my FEAR became unbearingly real.
It took me almost three years to finally get my license. I was terrified, I rode the plane down many times, I cried, I beat myself up. But one day, I said enough is enough. I jumped again. Every time I jumped the fear became less and less intense. I had a female instructor who was more than kind and patient with me. Whether it was repeating the dive flow fifteen times, holding my hand to get me out the door (literally), or just simply cheering me on, she was always there. I had a cutaway (where you need to go to your reserve parachute) during my student status, and forcing myself to go up and jump again after that was gut-wrenching, but I felt so much better afterwards. The regret of not doing something because of fear is a much worse feeling than fear itself.
George Addair said, “The best things in life are on the other side of fear”.
After pushing myself mentally, asking questions and talking to others, I earned my skydiving license on July 4th, 2022. Skydiving is about a lifestyle, facing things that make you uncomfortable. It’s about the friends you make along the way. It’s about becoming a part of something bigger than yourself and experiencing bliss for the price of facing your fears. Being afraid of something is normal, and it’s up to you how it controls your life. Breathe, relax, and arch. Don’t give up. I was once very afraid too.
Miranda McCabe
32 jumps
Miranda is my granddaughter… she has always conquered whatever she puts her mind to doing. So proud of her in so many ways. Luawb Miranda 💕 💕
OMG I love your story!!! You are such an inspiration 🤍 And this just makes me want to keep going. If you could U can too… I’m working on getting my A License… skydiving has transform my life… I’m barely recognize myself… it has been quite the journey for me… when I read about others having the feelings I did and I sometimes still do gives me such a push to keep going… THANK YOU 🙏💫🤍🪂🤘
Keep going! I’m so proud of you ♥️
Hi Miranda,
This is a very inspiring story. I can totally hear you. I had a lines twist on my 3rd jump which was not that scary but I had an emergency procedure on my 4th (plus I lost my helmet), and I did not jump the very same day for several reasons. I got back a month and a half later but I refused to jump when I was in the plane so my instructors want me to wait until next year to jump again. I really want to do this, and I know I will. Reading your story makes me feel even more sure I can do this. It has been my dream for a very, very long time so I will not stop. If you have any advice, I would love to hear from you.