Making bold decisions can sometimes change your life. How flying a small airplane has changed mine.
I’ve partnered up with LISTERINE® Brand to share this adventure with you! As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Running in a Skirt and letting me share these posts with you.
Hi everyone!
I talked a little last week about being bold in life and how I thought it was a key to a happy life. I encouraged you to make bold choices as well. I shared a recent hike I took to the top of Lookout Mountain as something I recently did that was bold. Today I want to talk a little more about being bold and one of the boldest parts of my life, flying in a small airplane with the Hubs.
So how did flying a small airplane happen? The story goes like this....
The Hubs and I met 7 ½ years ago. Mutual friends introduced us at their house party. We hit it off instantly and bonded at the appetizer table talking over our love of good local food and our favorite restaurants.
I told the Hubs about my brand new running hobby (I had just run my first 5K) and he told me about his flying hobby (he had been working on his private pilot license for months.) He was super nice about my new running adventures, but I told him point blank I didn't understand small airplanes and I would never fly in one. As a TV news reporter I had covered too many accidents of reckless general aviation pilots and I just wasn't interested. Big commercial jets seemed so much better to me.
Lesson one... never say never.
I stuck to my guns for awhile and didn't go up with him, but I could see how excited he was about it and how it was his passion. He felt the same way about flying as I did with running. It was hard not being a part of that.
The turning point was when my Grandmother in Chattanooga got sick and the main road over the mountains to get there was closed. My Mom was already there with her and I wanted to be too. It would take 6+ hours driving OR we could fly there in 45 minutes. By that time I had known the Hubs long enough to understand what a smart, methodical and non-reckless person he was. If anyone should be a pilot, it's him. I also wanted to share his joy with him.
So over the mountains we went flying a small plane.
I was so nervous, but it actually surprised me how peaceful and calm it was. The Hubs explained what turbulence actually was and how it was not dangerous, as long as you stayed away from the severe stuff.
As a meteorologist I loved feeling so close to the weather.
We got to see my Grandmother and Mom and I was pretty grateful for that little plane that day. The bold move to finally get in really paid off.
We got back home and I still wasn't completely sold on flying as more than an emergency thing. I did some research on my own and talked with the Hubs about safety. I learned that as long as a pilot is smart and not a risk taker, flying can be safer than driving.
I then learned about all the places we could go flying a small airplane and how fast we could get there. Suddenly my family in Florida was only 2 ½ hours away instead of 12 hours.
And the beach? Only an hour.
My love of family, travel and adventure (and especially the beach!) won over my fear of flying in a small plane. I figure you only live once so you might as well live the biggest, boldest life possible.
As time went on flying a small airplane became a hobby both of us enjoy. Those first few bold decisions to fly changed my life.
We've been to countless places including Hilton Head, Pittsburgh, Orlando, the Outer Banks and even a day trip to Charleston. One of our favorite adventures was making it all the way to Key West. We had such a great time that we went back last year.
We've even flown our small plane to the Bahamas twice.
This flight and trip was a bucket-list destination for the Hubs who compared flying yourself to the Bahamas to a runner's marathon.
He knew how to get me to say yes. 😉
We are just regular people who happen to have a passion for aviation. We share ownership of our older airplane and it's not fancy at all. But it's safe and allows us to travel, dream and be bold.
If you would have asked me walking into that party 7 ½ years ago that general aviation would be a big part of my life I would have laughed at you. But I also would have laughed at you if you told me that night that I would run a marathon, quit my job at the tv station and run a blog.
Life is full of choices. I've chosen to make some bold ones along the way, and my life is richer, crazier and more colorful because of it.
I told you last week about the new way LISTERINE® is celebrating the BOLDNESS of users like you and I by launching the Bold Percent program. Did you know LISTERINE® users are actually much more likely to do bold things than non-users? <---Maybe that explains my bold streak?
The new Bold Percent program will reward consumers for their boldness by giving away a range of fun, bold prizes. Between now and December 7th you can visit Bold Percent to join and win rewards and earn sweepstakes entries toward bold prizes.
Being bold doesn't always mean something huge like flying a small airplane. It can be as simple as living beyond your fears and expectation in life. It is as simple as having a passion for life, new experiences, knowledge and people. Your personal bold may be something very different than mine.
I encourage you to join LISTERINE® Brand's new Bold Percent and find ways to live your life to the fullest everyday. See below for prize information and how to enter.
I understand that flying may not be an attainable hobby for everyone and I'm not suggesting it should be. As I mentioned before, our plane is nothing fancy and glamorous. I know how lucky I am that it is part of my life. Remember bold is relative to how you want to live your life.
The moral of this story is dream big and never say never. With bold choices the sky is the limit.
And don't forget to join the Bold Percent.
Sweepstakes prizes includes:
- 1 Grand Prize of a trip to one of six bold destinations (Australia, Zambia, Alaska, Hawaii, New Orleans, & Spain)
- 15 Level 2 Prizes of bold excursions – from surfing lessons to racecar driving
- 30 Level 1 Prizes of bold-themed packs of high-end gadgets and gear in themes such as “Outdoor Adventure,” “ Bold Fitness,” and “Tropical On-The-Go”
- Bold Percent members can be even bolder by uploading a receipt showing the purchase of LISTERINE® Mouthwash to receive an additional 50 sweepstakes entries to the Bold Grand Prize.
Enter HERE! Good luck everyone!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of LISTERINE® Brand.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for a pretty awesome announcement and introduction! Trust me... you want to see this!
I’m linking this post with Marvelous Monday, Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday & Inspired to be Fit, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Fit and Fashionable Friday and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
What do you do that is bold?
Have you ever overcame your fear of something?
Lucie Palka says
EEEK, I'm terrified of flying in a big plane, no less in a small plane. I hope I can get over my fear. It seems to make the word smaller when you can fly somewhere quickly. I love the photo where you are approaching the landing!
JulieWunder says
Yes! The world is a lot smaller. I hope you can conquer the fear as well.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I'm so happy you were able to get over your fear and doubts and can now enjoy your husband's hobby with him. It really is great how quickly you can get everywhere, too! I've only been in a tiny plane once when I got Will a flying lesson for Christmas one year. It was nerve racking, but I think I could get used to it if I did it more often with a good pilot :).
JulieWunder says
You def get more used to it! I often fall asleep these day. haha!
Annmarie says
Oh man, I would be scared for sure but it would be worth it to see all those sights!
JulieWunder says
Yes! It's worth it to travel so much.
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
How wonderful! Personally I've never flown in a small plane, but if the opportunity arose, I'd be excited to do it! It's awesome how much freedom to travel it's given you guys!
JulieWunder says
It has! Makes the world a whole lot smaller!
Tami Qualls says
I was terrified of flying but had to when my father-in-law was on his death bed. Flying ended up being so much fun and the best adventure.
JulieWunder says
Yes! Flying is my biggest adventure by far.
Laura says
What a wonderful thing...to overcome a fear and have an amazing experience!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Laura! It was so much fun!
Taylor Kiser says
Way to go conquering your fear of flying with God's help! He cares about everything in our lives! Now to bring on more adventures, right?!
JulieWunder says
He does! This world is pretty amazing!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Aw, I love the story of how you met your husband. I'm scared to death of small planes but I can see how it would be so easy to get places that way. If my husband had his pilot's license (which he wants to get but I doubt he will) I think I'd be up in one too!
JulieWunder says
How much fun! Watch out... it's a bit addictive. 🙂
Nicole Escat says
aww, I'm glad that you overcome your fear, I'm also have fear in flying, I wish I could do what you did. You're awesome girl!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole! It was a lot of fun!
Sarah Grace Spann says
Ahh so fun girly!! Lookin cute in that gear!
xo
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much!
Elizabeth O says
I'm impressed by your flying chops. I love to fly but I've not been a pilot of a small plane. I think that is a bold and fine decision. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks, Elizabeth! It's a lot of fun!
jill conyers says
Julie that is so awesome. I love stories like that!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much, Jill!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
This just goes to show how making a scary decision can really pay off! How lucky you are to have these awesome experiences!
JulieWunder says
Yes! Very blessed!
Allyson says
What a great story! You're very brave. ?
JulieWunder says
Thanks Allyson! It's a lot of fun!
Jaime says
I have such a fear of heights and I've flown in a couple of small planes for my old job (the whole newspaper/videographer thing!!) We're going ziplining in a couple of weeks. Terrifying, but I'm sure it'll be cool once it's over!
Heather @ FITaspire says
Oh my goodness - from fear of flying to flying yourself!! That is absolutely incredible, and so inspiring. Face your fears, indeed!!! 🙂
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
wow! Beautiful views! Looks like an awesome experience! Way to be bold!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Great job conquering your fears! I am ok in a big plane, but the little planes scare me as well.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Angela! It turned out to be a lot of fun!
Wendy says
I totally have a fear of flying, which is funny because 18 year ago I had a job that required I fly out on Monday and home on Fridays. I think it is so cool that you got over yours.
JulieWunder says
Oh man! I think that would get old quick!!!
Clara says
I'm glad you overcame your fear of flying. Hopefully these tips will work for other people with the same problem.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Clara! I really appreciate that!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I have a fear of flying so I can totally relate! You're so brave!!! Logically I know it's safe but I still get nervous!
JulieWunder says
I totally agree! It's made the world a lot smaller though!
Jennifer Lefforge says
As the wife of a commercial pilot who's begging to buy a small plane I loved this post! But I won't be showing it to him;). What a beautiful thing to share and I love how you faced your fears!
JulieWunder says
Haaaaa!!! I totally get it!!! Don't have him talk to the Hubs!
Tee says
I love your take on boldness and am so happy that you were able to get past your fears/dislike of small aircrafts! I live my life as boldly as possible (sometimes too boldly, I'll admit haha) but I believe that fear prevents living life fully and I want to seize every moment of this life 🙂 The first ever airplane I flew in was a small plane flown by my much older cousin when I was only 14 and it made me dream of being a pilot for many years, in fact I almost joined the air force, yikes! I did neither tho ?
JulieWunder says
My hubby almost did too! he has a love of aviation! There is something so beautiful about flying!
carmy says
You are braver than I!! I don't think i'd do it!
JulieWunder says
The beach in an hour thing really sold me!
Jenn says
Flying a small plane is definitely bold! I love adventure and things that most people find scary, but I'm not sure you could pay me enough money to get in a tiny plane like that. Good for you!
JulieWunder says
It's so funny what different people find scary! I've gotten used to it now and it's a lot of fun.
Maria says
This is amazing! You guys are so cute and that is one bold way to get over a fear! Love it 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Maria! It worked!
abbey says
This is so cool!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks Abbey!
Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says
What a great story! Proof that magic happens right outside of your comfort zone.
JulieWunder says
I love that! So true!
Alicia @Bridges Through Life says
So my fiance just got his pilot's license, literally this month. Oh and he bought a plane almost a year ago. He didn't tell me until about 5 months after he bought it. I still don't think his parents know he owns a plane. It's crazy because his plane insurance is less than my car insurance...
Anyway I don't have a fear of flying so much as I just hate small planes because you feel the turbulence so much more. I have been in little island hopper planes in Hawaii and over to the Bahamas and not a fan of the stomach drop motion. I never liked roller coasters. He is convinced to get me up in his plane. I do think it would be cool to fly so many places as you mentioned. I definitely have that travel itch.
JulieWunder says
How exciting! I hope you two learn to love it as much as we do!
Kimberly says
The views alone would be worth overcoming that fear! Congrats. What a fun things to do with your loved one.
JulieWunder says
It is totally worth it! We love it!
Blane Sherer says
Such a sweet family connection between you
and the hubs. Thanks for sharing.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Leah Goldglantz says
That's so cool! It's definitely something I'd love to do one day!!
JulieWunder says
It's a lot of fun!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Thanks for sharing your story with us about being bold with flying! I have to remind myself every time I fly that it is the "safest" form of travel because I always get nervous. Here's to being bold in life!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie!
Liz says
Loving this partnership you have- it totally gets my juices flowing and want to be BOLD! I once traveled on a helicopter in Australia and it was epic- this makes me want to fly again on a small plane!
JulieWunder says
How much fun! I'm dying to go to Australia!
Neely says
WOW that is very bold! I would be terrfiied to do it. My husband however would love to!
JulieWunder says
I love it now! It's such a fun hobby!
Melinda says
I've never done anything so bold. This looks like an amazing adventure. You'll be reliving at thrill for a long time.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Melinda!
Divya @ Eat Teach Blog says
I definitely travel a lot but I continue to have a fear of flying. And I would never never never neverrrrrrrrrr go in a small plane like that! I'm so paranoid!
JulieWunder says
I used to feel the same way, but now I love it!
Dan Steadman says
all that is so neat....my bold....is working with 5th and 6th graders...when we joined our current church they are big on you being involved so my wife suggested I work with 5th and 6th grade, the preteen pastor said 'i've got just the job for you' to which I gave the standard Baptist answer "I'll pray about it" after a couple of weeks, I signed up all in and was nervous thinking "my kid will convince people I am uncool, the kids will hate me, they'll think I'm that uncool grown up who thinks he's cool" but being all in, just being me, God has used me and has had some students move up to 7th and 8th grade come back and see how I am...
Jolina says
This is very cool. We took helicopter "lessons" once and all it really was was they made us sit in front haha! I'd love to learn to fly. Well done you for conquering your fear!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Being a flight attendant for a commercial airlines I have to say I am not a big fan of small planes but I haven't really ever experienced it though. It would be great to have access to so many great places in a short amount of time. And best of all no wait in security line right?
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I am super scared of flying in general but the small planes really scare me. Good for you for conquering for your fears
amanda -runtothefinish says
It would most definitely take someone that I had complete faith in to get me up!! I wouldn't ride a motorcycle with a friends dad who was a cop...but for the man I love, well I've tried a lot of crazy things!!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
Such a cute story and great reminder... never say never!
Diane norris says
I love this !
Emily says
Wow, I agree with Heather; I didn't know you were afraid of flying; that's so wonderful that the Lord enabled you to conquer that fear and see His awesome creation from up above in such an up close way that you couldn't experience on a regular plane. It's so true that you can get places so much faster. I love that you get to fly together with your best friend.
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I had no idea you were terrified of flying at first! That's huge to be ok with and get over your fears! God knew it would take a little bit to get you to trust HIm and that it did. So glad you are able to go on more adventures with the hubs!