Today I had lunch in Tokyo with an important Nigerian politician. It was in a very posh resturant in one of the most expensive areas in Tokyo(Known as the Roppongi Hills).
The resturant was in an observatory on the 17th floor of the building. As I took my time to enjoy the breath-taking view of Tokyo below, I recalled a time when I could'nt have even glanced out of the window without being sick and suffering from vertigo.
My fear of heights, for years, stopped me from enjoying so many opportunities. Even in England when I went up in the medical helicopter I could never look down.
However, when I started my training as a pilot I had to face this fear head on. As I developed my portfolio of aviation skills and knowledge I realised that in Lagos there would be many times when I would have to use a winch.
A winch is a machine which is used to lift heavy objects or people who need to be rescued. It consists of a drum around which a rope or chain is wound.If you winch an object or person somewhere, you lift or lower them using a winch.
I had seen them used before by never used one myself. So I would have to undergo three weeks of winch training and experience being suspended in mid-air from a helicopter.
It took my completely out of my comfort zone and I almost backed out the night before. But my determination got the better of me.
Three weeks later, I was fully winch trained and no longer afraid of heights.
So this afternoon I could enjoy the breathtaking view of one of my favourite cities in the world for the first time.
Lesson Learnt: Step out of your comfort zone, face your fears!!
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