16/09/2026
📈
I have always been afraid of heights. But in 2018, I decided to confront that fear by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night.
Although the climb itself was carefully controlled and safety-managed, I was deliberately placing myself in a situation that made me feel as though I was no longer completely in control. I had to let go of the “what ifs,” accept the discomfort and uncertainty, and focus entirely on the present moment.
As I climbed higher, something interesting happened. I stopped thinking about tomorrow. I stopped thinking about the problems and responsibilities waiting for me on the ground. My attention narrowed to something incredibly simple: the next step. Where was I going to place my foot? Where would I put my hand? How would I move safely to the next section?
My fear of heights had not disappeared, but for those few hours, many of my everyday worries had.
It was a strange combination of fear and freedom. I was uncomfortable because I couldn’t control everything I was feeling, yet at the same time, there was an incredible sense of relief in not trying to control everything.
Looking back, I realise that climbing the bridge taught me something beyond simply confronting my fear of heights. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming because we try to deal with tomorrow, next month, next year, and every possible outcome all at once.
But just like climbing that bridge, we don’t have to overcome the entire journey in a single moment.
Sometimes, all we need to do is concentrate on where we place our feet and take the next step.
One step at a time. One day at a time.
