By Brooke Morrison
Skydiving has been testing me lately—and not just in the air. Landings have been tough—not just physically, but mentally.
I keep struggling with my flares. Sometimes I don’t flare all the way. Other times, I flare too early or too late. And before I’ve even touched the ground, I’m already frustrated. Already mad at myself. Already replaying what I should’ve done differently.
I want to do it right. I want every landing to be smooth, clean, textbook. But the truth is, it’s not there yet—and it’s eating at me.
What makes it worse is how I handle feedback. Someone gives me advice, and instead of hearing it as help, I blow it out of proportion. I twist it into criticism. Suddenly, I’m not just messing up a flare—I’m doubting whether I’m cut out for this at all.
But I took it and told myself, okay, next load we got this and I’ll do better…
Once I got feedback again—clear, constructive, and calm—I took a deep breath, geared back up, and got on the next load. I was still nervous. Still overthinking. But this time, I trusted myself.
And on that next jump, I nailed it.
I flared at the right time, all the way through—and landed perfectly. Not just on my feet, but with a feeling of quiet confidence that had been missing.
That moment reminded me: I can do this. I am learning. One rough landing doesn’t define me, and neither does one good one—but it sure felt good to finally get it right.
Skydiving will test your patience, your mindset, and your ability to reset after a stumble. But if you keep getting back on the plane, you just might surprise yourself.
Thinking about skydiving?
Bring a friend, or surprise someone with a gift card.
Book your tandem skydive or grab a gift card and share the sky.
Blue Skies,
Brooke A-117936