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Carpe Diem

June 30th, 2009

Every so often, I must prove to myself that I am still living life and that life isn’t living me.  The occasional tough pinch in the skin doesn’t always work.  On Sunday, I went cliff jumping at Red Rocks Park, a hidden gem of Burlington, VT.  It is accessible a quarter mile off the main trail through dense forests.

Standing on the ledge of the cliffs, I could see the jagged rocks underneath the clear water; I was immediately filled with consternation.  My heart started pumping.  What happened if I hit the bottom and became paralyzed?  The possibility of severely injuring myself caused trepidation.  But after assurance that the water was deep enough followed by a hortatory countdown from five others I had met, I made the jump and plunged 40 feet into the frigid waters. I had conquered the cliffs, and every fiber in my being had confirmed that I was once again, was alive.

Please take a moment and honestly answer the poll.

When was the last time you felt alive?

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If you answered one month or one year, go out and do whatever makes you feel alive.  Help the elderly.  Ride a motorcycle and feel the wind ripping through your hair.  Watch the sunset from a hill.  Dance the night away.  Don’t let responsibilities and dogma get in the way of living life.

  1. sydney
    July 8th, 2009 at 08:38 | #1

    hay i just saw you on the news your story is so inspiring! im all for you!

  2. July 22nd, 2009 at 10:58 | #2

    I love reading your journey, and this post brought back great memories of jumping off a cliff in Switzerland during my solo journey in Europe! What a freeing feeling! I wish you great travels and journeys… I am inspired by your story!

  3. January 31st, 2011 at 00:22 | #3

    I skimmed over the poll and realized I could not answer for any of them…Perhaps it is time that I drop everything and follow my North Star. You’re an inspiration, man.

  4. Lyn
    July 23rd, 2012 at 20:34 | #4

    Hello- can I have your permission to use your Red Rocks cliff jumping image for our neighborhood website (right next to Red Rocks)- I put it up today, but will take it down immediately if this is not ok with you. Either way, great photo, nice essay…

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