No backing down
By Amanda Nicholson
PROMPT — The way I see it ...
You come across an old photo of yourself being pushed off the ledge when you decided to do a bungee jump. The look of absolute horror on your face is captured forever on camera. You never knew why you kept this photo for 17 years, despite multiple moves and plenty of chances to throw it away. It's probably the least flattering photo you still have of yourself, but it serves as a reminder that you're braver than you so often feel.
Once you were off the ledge, there was no going back, no matter how much you wanted to, as you closed your eyes and swung in the air, falling and swinging until you wished for it to stop. But remember, it did stop and two pair of hands guided you toward the ground and back on to your feet.
Once again, you were on solid ground and you were okay. Better than okay, because you had done it. You hadn't backed down and didn't have to take the so-called ‘walk of shame’ back down all those steps.
This photo reminds you now that even through you have a difficult decision to make and follow through on, you will okay.
Yes, things might be scary at first. And you will feel like you're swinging through the air and falling without anything to hold onto.
But soon, enough, you will be back on your feet and feel stronger than ever for not backing down.
Amanda Nicholson is an author, poet, podcast co-host, and copywriter. Her recent (ninth) novel has the memorable title Death to All Men. Amanda’s poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, and she won the Bradford Cares 2023 Competition. She has a Creative Writing MA and has articles published by Ask.com, Harlequin and Stylist, and The Daily Mail, among others. Amanda writes from Manchester, UK.
