What Falling from 13,000 Feet Taught Me About Facing Your Fears
After last month’s admission that I’d agreed to do something utterly out of character – namely throwing myself out of a perfectly serviceable aeroplane – I’m delighted to confirm that I am, in fact, still here to tell the tale.
Yes, the skydive happened.
Yes, I jumped.
And yes, I survived to write another blog.
An Experience I’ll Never Forget
The entire day was unforgettable. The team at Beccles Skydivers were phenomenal – calm, experienced, and reassuring enough to make even the most nervous first-timer feel surprisingly at ease.
If you’ve ever thought about giving skydiving a try (or if you simply want proof that miracles do happen), take a look at their website:
www.ukparachuting.co.uk
I also did a follow-up interview with Stewart Pink on Phoenix FM about the whole thing – you can listen to it here:
Ian Nicholsons Extreme Will Writing
And thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you, I’ve already raised over £1,500 for Havens Hospices. My JustGiving page is still open if you’d like to support the cause:
Ian Nicholson is fundraising for Havens Hospices (justgiving.com)
Freefall Has a Funny Way of Clearing the Mind
As I hurled towards the earth at 120mph for a full 50 seconds, something surprising happened.
I started thinking about all the things we put off in life.
Tasks we fear.
Conversations we avoid.
Decisions we delay…
…until suddenly, they’re urgent.
Skydiving was one of those things for me. And yet when I finally did it, my first thought after landing was:
“Why didn’t I do that sooner?”
And that, in many ways, mirrors the conversations I have with people about writing their wills or setting up their LPAs.
The Real Reason Most People Delay
People offer all sorts of reasons:
- “I don’t have time.”
- “I’m too young.”
- “It’s too complicated.”
- “I’m not ready to make those decisions.”
But if we cut through all of that, the most honest reason – the one most people don’t say aloud – is simply:
“I don’t want to think about it.”
And that’s completely understandable.
Talking about illness, death, guardianship, or your estate isn’t anyone’s idea of a cheerful afternoon.
In fact, in my very first blog, I said that hardly anyone sits around the dinner table and casually announces:
“Let’s talk about when I die.”
It is, undeniably, a difficult subject.
But much like stepping out of that aircraft door, once you face it – properly – the fear evaporates far faster than you expect.
The Safe, Sensible Way to Face Your Own ‘Big Jump’
Thankfully, you don’t need to throw yourself out of a plane to get your Will or LPA sorted.
You simply give me an hour of your time.
As the owner of Beaulieu Wills and Estate Planning, I’ll walk you through everything clearly and calmly, in plain English.
You’ll receive your draft documents within 24–48 hours, and shortly after that, your Will or LPAs will be fully signed, registered, and ready.
No adrenaline.
No wind rushing past your ears.
Absolutely no risk to life whatsoever.
And then – best of all – you can go back to not thinking about it again.
Ready to Get Your Future on Solid Ground?
If you’ve been putting it off, now might be the moment to take your own small but significant leap.
I’m always here for a confidential chat:
ian.nicholson@bwep.uk
01277 562 567
07919 241 386
Facebook: @bwepuk
Until next time, stay safe – and remember:
The toughest part is deciding to start. The rest is far easier than you think.