[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 06.23.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

Blue here! I hope your weekend had at least one good laugh, one good meal, and maybe a little sunshine.

As for me—I had an absolute blast this weekend with Ally and some of our work friends. We played games, chatted about life, and just enjoyed the moment. It was one of those unexpectedly lovely get-togethers.

But I’ll be honest… I almost didn’t go. I get a little shy in group settings (especially if there are games involved—I'm no trivia champ). I was this close to backing out. Thankfully, Ally talked me into it—and I’m so glad she did.

So now I want to hear from you:
What’s something you were scared to do, but ended up doing anyway?

Whether it was something big like moving to a new place, or small like saying yes to a dinner invite—let’s hear those stories. You never know who you might inspire.

Cheers!
Blue

 

[kiki]

I've always been scared of heights. I helped my partner paint a home. I climbed a good size ladder, stretched and painted a large shelf. Also I climbed a tall ladder and stayed on it checking if the roofers changed the plywood before they shingles on top of it.

 

[NIBOR0]

I am afraid to drive on the highway. My husband had an appointment to get fitted for a special shoe last Friday and I drove him to it,,,,, you guessed it, all highway. We made it there and back safely and at least it wasn't in rush hour traffic.

 

[Arkie98]

Am afraid of heights but there was cool zip lining through the Ozark Hills so got brave, closed my eyes and away i went. Loved it, so awesome floating above the trees and could see for ever.

 

[bobbibonn]

My first hot air balloon ride, I was definitely scared, because of heights, but once up there, it was so peaceful and quiet and the scenery was breathtaking. I forgot all about how high up I was and enjoyed it very much.

 

[TriciaR]

I've always been scared of heights. I helped my partner paint a home. I climbed a good size ladder, stretched and painted a large shelf. Also I climbed a tall ladder and stayed on it checking if the roofers changed the plywood before they shingles on top of it.

Wow, thank you for sharing @kiki ! That must’ve taken a lot of courage — especially climbing two tall ladders! What helped you push through the fear in the moment? And now that you’ve done it, do you feel a little more confident with heights, or was that a one-time-only kind of bravery?

 

[TriciaR]

I am afraid to drive on the highway. My husband had an appointment to get fitted for a special shoe last Friday and I drove him to it,,,,, you guessed it, all highway. We made it there and back safely and at least it wasn't in rush hour traffic.

Thank you for sharing @NIBOR0 — what a big win! Driving on the highway can be really nerve-wracking, especially when it’s not something you’re comfortable with. I'm glad the trip went smoothly and without rush hour traffic too! Do you think you might try it again sometime soon, or was that enough highway driving for a while?

 

[TriciaR]

Am afraid of heights but there was cool zip lining through the Ozark Hills so got brave, closed my eyes and away i went. Loved it, so awesome floating above the trees and could see for ever.

Thanks so much for sharing @Arkie98 — that sounds incredible! Zip lining through the Ozark Hills must have been such a thrill, especially for someone afraid of heights. Good on you for closing your eyes and going for it! Do you think you'd ever do it again now that you know how breathtaking it is up there?

 

[TriciaR]

My first hot air balloon ride, I was definitely scared, because of heights, but once up there, it was so peaceful and quiet and the scenery was breathtaking. I forgot all about how high up I was and enjoyed it very much.

Thank you for sharing @bobbibonn — what a beautiful way to face a fear! I’ve heard that hot air balloon rides can feel surprisingly calm once you're up there, and it sounds like that was true for you too. Do you think the experience changed how you feel about heights now, or was it more of a one-time magical moment?

 

[Gibb]

When I remarried. It's been 44 years now. He is 10 years younger than me. I'm so happy that I took a chance

 

[Cindy k]

Joined the army at 18.

 

[bobbibonn]

Thank you for sharing @bobbibonn — what a beautiful way to face a fear! I’ve heard that hot air balloon rides can feel surprisingly calm once you're up there, and it sounds like that was true for you too. Do you think the experience changed how you feel about heights now, or was it more of a one-time magical moment?

I still won't go on a roof or a ladder, it was a different kind of experience. But at 79, I probably wont go on another hot air balloon. I did it twice and the 2nd landing was a little bumpy.

 

[TriciaR]

When I remarried. It's been 44 years now. He is 10 years younger than me. I'm so happy that I took a chance

Thank you for sharing that with us @Gibb —what a beautiful story of courage and love! Taking that leap must have felt daunting at the time, but clearly it was the right one. What helped you decide to go for it, despite the age difference? And after 44 years together, what’s one thing you think has helped your relationship stay strong?

 

[TriciaR]

Joined the army at 18.

Thank you for sharing @Cindy k —joining the army at 18 is a huge step, and such a brave one too. What was the scariest part about making that decision at such a young age? And is there a particular memory or lesson from your service that’s stayed with you all these years?

 

[TriciaR]

I still won't go on a roof or a ladder, it was a different kind of experience. But at 79, I probably wont go on another hot air balloon. I did it twice and the 2nd landing was a little bumpy.

Twice in a hot air balloon is impressive! That second bumpy landing sounds like quite the adventure. Thanks again for sharing @bobbibonn !