To The Infinite Beyond

“Once you’ve broken your boundaries, they’ll never restrain you again.”

In the past 5 or so years of wafting around the internet, I have come across more than my fair share of inspirational quotes. Famous anecdotes from dead celebrities who are suddenly smothered across social media as icons of inspiration, or a half-arsed joke from a comedian; anyone can be embedded into history with a quote to pass on to future generations. Thousands of Twitter accounts exist just to share some soppy and meaningful material to inspire teenage girls through yet another day of their miserable schooling lives – and I have poured myself over all of them.

Yet the above quote really seemed to act as an epiphany to me. I am always keen to explore new options, to expand my life and further my surroundings into new worlds, but certainly struggle with a fear of the unknown. I know what I like, and I like what I know; and what I know is stuck firmly within my comfort zone. The idea of visiting new places petrifies me, as does trying new activities. But for the past 20 years of my life, I have regularly done all of these things and more, and survived thus far unscathed – so why am I still so worried?

“Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures.” Edwin Louis Cole

Our brain and our past experiences limits our outlook on life, and puts up boundaries wherever it deems fit. Our subconscious has been created over our lives to learn from our experiences, developing the best means of protecting and preparing us for life ahead – and for that, little subconscious, I thank you. But sometimes it gets stuck, with boundaries that are outdated, and strategies that are unnecessary, limiting us in our present lives.

“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.” Ronald Reagan

Anyone that knows me will know I am a rather boring person. While my diary is full of exciting travels, big plans and ambitions, goals to achieve and events to be partaking, as I live and breathe on this planet I am a pretty standard model. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – I wouldn’t say I was closed minded; more that I am happy in my little comfort zone staying on the safe side of exciting.

“As an artist, you have to be free to explore all the corners of your heart. There are no boundaries.” Dierks Bentley

So, to aid my quest at exploring the outer depths of the world, at expanding my horizons as much as is possible, at allowing everyone around to educate me in the world that I could be living, I’ve set myself a list of things to do, of challenges to accomplish, of experiences to be living, upon which includes visiting the opera, drive my favourite sports car, and, my latest Photo Moment; skydiving.

“In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Although the experience was over in such a blur, for once in my life I wasn’t nervous. I knew I was safe. I knew it would be so unbelievably overwhelming. So I merely sat back, let the cool Hungarian dude on my back do all the hard word, and enjoy what was the quickest 5 minutes of my life as I fell through the sky.

“To infinity – and beyond.” Buzz Lightyear

While I’ll try to avoid the infinite clichés that are so often thrown around when talking about such an adrenaline high, it was so eloquently peaceful, so withdrawn from the daily life that I had left on the ground, so expanding and beautiful to be just drifting through space, for no other purpose than because I wanted to.

The standard restrictions that I tend to stick to during my everyday life are doing just that – restricting experiences, limiting my outlook and stopping me from being the best that I can be. It’s with these events, these opportunities , these once-in-a-lifetime Bucket List chances that I look for, that I lean towards, to break my boundaries, fulfil my life’s purpose, and give me some kick-ass instagram photos.

As part of my skydive, I chose to raise money for the Queen Victoria Hospital, a local charity famous for being home of McIndoe and The Guinea Pigs from World War 2. Anyone kind enough to donate can do so at www.doitforcharity.com/bwells – donations will remain open until 3rd September. Many thanks x