I Believe I Can Fly!

Me Paragliding Above Mount Nkawkaw in Ghana

Have you ever done something that contradicts all basic Human instincts? Well the gauntlet to defy the general fabric of our being was laid before me; when I had to actively will myself to take a running jump off a big cliff!

Following this train of thought not only did I emerge the victor by choosing to throw caution to the wind regarding the general welfare of my body. I defeated gravity and the notion of common sense instead preferring to embark on a daredevil or “Jackass” adventure.

Those who witnessed the event would say that I touched the Heavens! Paragliding off mount Nkawkaw, hurtling through the air at speeds greater than 30miles per hour. Meandering between the peaks of Kwawhu land. Flying higher than eagles and other such arial predators. Soaring through moist barriers of mist, known to those on ground level as clouds. It was incredible! But to be honest the whole experience has made my life back on earth since seem somehow ordinary.

I guess the mundane part does not come from the fact that I now have both my feet securely fastened to the ground. It comes from the realisation that pure excitement and such high levels of adrenaline had not been pumped through my body in such a long time. Actually I have probably never done anything that required me to step so far out of my comfort zone.

I shall take this opportunity not only to thank Erland Masden (www.arcticacro.com) my wonderful pilot! But also to preach about the refreshing effect that taking a risk by doing something a little less ordinary can have on rejuvenating ones soul.

In my case I flew in the literal sense. But I believe that anyone can fly at any time. I shall define flying simply as a means to elevate oneself above the masses. This may reveal itself in the form of tackling the hard questions in a maths class moving from fifth position in class to first. Or a Cashier in one of the government offices using her initiative by going to look for change in her float before starting work. To a traffic policeman refusing to accept a bribe.

I think that for Ghana to soar, we her faithful citizens should all strive to hold ourselves to a higher standard each and every day. Let us raise the bar in our schools, our homes and our workplaces so that each and every one of us is required to fly more often!

Me Flying over Ghana