My friend celebrated his 60th birthday by jumping out of an airplane.
(Just to clarify, he was wearing a parachute.) When I asked why, he replied, “It was on my bucket list.”
“Wow!” said I. “I don’t think I’d have the courage to do something like that.
Good for you.”
Understand I am not a very adventurous sort, and furthermore, nothing on my “bucket list” has even a remote possibility that while engaging in the activity, I could end up in pieces small enough to fit in said bucket. After all, the way I look at it is if God wanted us to jump out of a perfectly functioning airplane, he wouldn’t have given them locking doors.
Now — should you be so inclined — before mounting high horse and considering me sans courage, realize I get my jollies as a public speaker. According to common knowledge, more folks are afraid of doing that than dying. Therefore, I safely rationalize that my skydiving sexagenarian buddy would watch me in front of an audience and say,
“Wow! I don’t think I’d have the courage to do something like that. Good for you.”
Check. And mate.
Recently, a speaking engagement had me presenting on a cruise ship.
(I know, it’s a difficult job, but someone had to do it.) If you’ve have not had the opportunity to be on one of these floating towns, understand they are indeed titanic. (Hmmm, poor choice of words; let’s just say they’re huge.) Moreover, our ship, Allure of the Seas, is the largest ever.