Narrative Essay Facing My Fears

Facing My Fears

Last summer, I was asked to go on a camping trip to go white water rafting. The big trip is a favorite summer event of everyone at my work. I had been invited to go many times but, have declined due to my anxiety of white water rafting. But this year….this year was different. I wanted to conquer my fear. I was invited. I was going white water rafting!

Granted, I grew up in Sodus, NY, and swimming was a favorite pastime of mine. There was something about rafting, the water capturing your body, overwhelming you with one of nature’s best creations, which freaked me out. Just thinking about it made me tremble inside; however, I have heard about all the fun they brag about this annual event over the years. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass.

The planning began three weeks before the trip. Who’s bringing the tents, marshmallows, food, drinks, and cards were the big topics of all my co-workers conversations. And, I was right in the middle of it all, bringing hotdogs rolls and plastic forks for the homemade macaroni salad! Everyone was reminiscing about the previous years. My friend Mary told me a story about a man that went last year, who fell into the river. “This is NOT something you want to tell me” I said. “Oh. You’ll be fine, just listen to the instructor and do as he says” she replied.

Two days before the excursion, my nerves began to build up; even my husband could see it. I was excited and eager about the trip with my friends, but the whole rafting thing still bothered me. I thought maybe I’ll just go camping and not rafting. I phoned my friend Mary, “I don’t know Mary, I’ am still real apprehensive about this whole white water rafting, I was thinking, maybe I’ll just come along for the camping part of the trip.” “It’s not that bad you’re working yourself up over nothing, it’s a rush, I know you, and you’re going to have a blast!”

Finally, the day came for us to pack up and carpool to Black River. We had a fantastic time on the way there; we were singing, talking and laughing. I felt really good knowing that I had two days to spend with my friends. Emotions were high as the anticipation of the rapids hitting our faces filled my friend’s thoughts. My mind started to wander and imagined me falling out of the raft. I was still petrified!

We arrived, at the campsite we all pitched in, helping unload the car and set up camp. That night we sat by the fire, shared funny work stories, ate camp food and talked about tomorrow’s adventure. It was relatively relaxing but, in the back of my mind I could not stop thinking about the rafting. The thought of the cold, dirty water splashing in my face, the fear of the flimsy yellow boat tipping over, was not my idea of entertainment.

I awoke to my friend Chris calling me from outside of my tent. “Wake up Patty! It’s the big day, come have some breakfast it’s almost time to head out” he said. “I don’t know man, I don’t think I’ am going to come along”, I called back from under my sleeping bag. He gave me a peep talk over breakfast. After breakfast, we headed up the hill to catch the bus that was going to take