Finding Joy in Letting Go of Worst-Case Scenarios: A Lesson from a Canopy Tour

A friend recently shared this with me, and it really hit home. The message was simple yet powerful: "If you're going to worry about the worst-case scenario, it's only fair to consider the best-case and most likely scenarios."

I tend to dwell on worst-case scenarios, probably because of my background in Mechanical Engineering. I excelled in a class called "Failure Analysis and Prediction." However, this mindset drained the joy out of a Canopy Tour I took with my new husband in the Costa Rican cloud forest.

As we soared through the canopy on zip lines, a local had suggested we move to Costa Rica due to a shortage of engineers. That innocent comment triggered my analytical mind. I couldn't stop thinking about the engineering behind the zip line and platform. Questions raced through my head about inspections, strength calculations, and potential risks.

Instead of enjoying the breathtaking scenery, I was consumed by thoughts of doom. I calculated platform strength, estimated our height, and worried about the descent. This constant analysis robbed me of the joy of the canopy tour.

Now, when I catch myself spiraling into thoughts of impending doom, I take a deep breath. I've learned that creating scenarios doesn't prevent tragedies; it only steals peace. I'll always remember that Cloud Forest Tour differently from my husband—he had a blast, while I gained a valuable lesson.