I am standing perched on the very edge, my back to the drop. It is literally only my toes that are holding me there. I see them watching me, waiting to see what I will do. The clock is ticking. If I don’t decide, they will do it for me. Their way is to eliminate me.  Do I have the courage to take the chance that I can survive the drop?
 
I look down. A big mistake. I start to shake and take a step away from the edge. I stop myself. I cannot let them win. I close my eyes, take a steadying breath, say a quick prayer and let myself fall backwards. My body tumbles, twists and turns as I fall through the air. It seems to take for ever, but is really over in seconds. There is barely a splash as I hit the water. As I struggle to surface, I hear the cheers. My first competition high dive was executed perfectly.