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4 Skydivers Share Their Life-Changing Skydiving Stories & Prove The Sky's Not The Limit
They say the sky is the limit and for these brave few, that means literally!
Recently, we asked a few adventurous readers to tweet their skydiving experiences and we must say, the response was overwhelming. xoNecole readers and tweeters did not just sum up their dives from the sky in 140 characters. They sent video, photos and detailed anecdotes that only captured half of the moments. We were in awe at the emotion and background stories that inspired most of these brave souls to jump off a plane suspended 14,000 feet in the air.
Wow!
While some skydived in seek of adventure and admitted that it started off as a mere feat to scratch off of their bucket lists, there were others who skydived to conquer their fears and for other reasons deeper than themselves. However, one thing all these beautiful souls had in common in the end, besides their desire to go higher, was the feeling of love and limitless inspiration they felt the entire seven minutes they were falling.
Skydiving is definitely something to try at least once if you're in your 20s or 30s. If you haven't yet, it might be time to take that leap of faith!
Peep some of our favorite stories below:
Tracey [ @TraceyDukes ]
My mother and I use to talk about possibly skydiving together when I was a teenager. We both felt that skydiving was okay but bungee jumping was definitely out of the question (weird I know but the thought of bouncing back up just was/is too much for me). I found out some real life friends of mine actually felt the same way, and wanted to about do it as well! So for my 25th birthday three of my friends surprised me and said, "We're going to Vegas for your birthday and we're skydiving!"
Let me tell you, jumping from a plane was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING, I've ever seen next to the birth of my daughter. I'm very spiritual in the sense that I was touched by how small human beings actually are from up there. Just realizing that on a larger scale of things. We are just THAT small. It's so peaceful so serene. It was like nothing I've ever experienced. After my jump I immediately told my mother, and surprisingly she was upset at me for not taking her! We agreed that we would do it together for my next jump, no if's, and's or but's about it.
Unfortunately that day never came... My mother passed away early last year on April 14, 2013. She was cremated and initially I wanted to take her ashes with me on my next jump but that didn't work out, unfortunately. But on July 14th, four days before my 28th birthday, I went skydiving again and this time I went out in California where I currently reside. I immediately broke down thinking of my mother, and dedicated my jump to her.
[Tweet "I was crying at a few thousand feet in the sky. I was crying at a few thousand feet in the sky"]
I can laugh now looking back at it, but it again was one of the best, freeing, exhilarating, cleansing, and so worth it experiences I've ever had. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!! I Hope this paints the beautiful picture of the world that is skydiving.
Catch Tracey's video:
O'Keyla [@lowkeyindc]
I'm not exactly what you'd call an adrenaline junky, but I do love adventure for no other reason than I like to be the girl to say I did something that most people I know haven't- like skydiving. Frankly, the only reason I did it was because I was running out of cool things to brag about.
That one minute of free fall with this miniature man on my back was without a doubt the most out of control I've ever been of my own body, yet I've never felt more in control. After the initial thought of “I've just jumped to my death", I realized I'd probably live and giggled tremendously between breaths on the way down.
[Tweet "It is truly unexplainable the level of peacefulness that took over my entire body."]
The opportunity to take in all of nature's beauty from OUTSIDE a plane 13,500 feet above is a feeling I'll never be able to fully articulate, but I can say, by far, it was one of my bravest and proudest moments.
Next up: Shark Diving. I do what I want.
Briana McLennon [ @anairb ]
Skydiving has always been on my bucket list because it seemed like the ultimate form of freedom and a crazy adrenaline rush! I'm not afraid of heights, but jumping out of a plane that's 14,000 feet in the air will make anyone semi-terrified. Once I got over the initial shock, I felt an inexplicable feeling of excitement and some sort of unspoken revelation. Being able to see the beautiful world from another view makes you realize that there's so much to see, do, and influence beyond our reach... and that is truly a life changing experience.
[Tweet "You realize that sometimes you just need to leap forward and take a chance."]
Don't hold yourself back, because anything is possible.
Will I go skydiving again? OF COURSE I will! I recommend skydiving and other outdoor activities to everyone! Sometimes you need to get out of the typical routine of life and try something different. Since then, I've gone white water rafting, swam with whale sharks, and zip lining, so there's plenty more in store for me!
Astrin [@Gem_N_Eyez]
My friends and I were discussing our 30th birthdays, which were all coming up within a year or so. We wanted to be more adventurous and someone mentioned skydiving as a possible activity. This discussion also lead us to develop a saying: “30 by 30", which entails completing 30 extraordinary things by our 30th birthdays.
Ultimately, a group of us decided to go for it and take on skydiving! I think we jumped from the plane at 14,000 feet in the air. After I jumped out of the plane, I was scared for the first few seconds, but then I became awestruck at the spectacular view and the idea of me gliding in the air.
[Tweet "I became awestruck at the spectacular view and the idea of me gliding in the air."]
It was definitely a life-changing experience and I would certainly do it again! #30by30
Have you ever skydived? Or done anything über adventurous for that matter? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Let us know your experience in the comments!
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
'Love Island USA' Star JaNa Craig On The Reality Of Black Women On Dating Shows
Love Island USA just wrapped up its sixth season, and it has been the talk of the town. According to Nielsen, it's the No. 1 show on streaming, proving it's just as entertaining as the UK version. One of the reasons this season has been successful is due to the authentic relationships formed between the islanders in the villa.
You have the sisterhood between Serena Page, JaNa Craig, and Leah Kateb, aka PPG, and the real relationship moments between couples like Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who were named the winners of this season. The other finalists include Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi, Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington, and JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez.
While JaNa made it to the finale with her boo Kenny, her journey in the villa was far from perfect. Viewers saw the Las Vegas native get her heart stomped on a few times after many of her connections didn't work out.
At one point, it even looked like she was getting kicked off the island. While she had a lot of support from people watching the show, it was clear that she was in a position that many Black women on reality dating shows find themselves in: not being desired.
It has been an ongoing conversation among Black women watching reality dating shows as we see time and time again that non-Black women or racially ambiguous-looking women are often chosen over Black women, especially dark-skinned women. In a discussion with Shadow and Act, JaNa opened up about the support she received from viewers.
@cineaxries i love them 🤧 #janacraig #janaandkenny #loveislandusa #foryou #peacock #loveisland #janaloveisland #xybca #kennyloveisland #janaedit #loveislandedit #janaedits #loveislandusaedit #viral #loveislandusaseason6 #foryoupage #peacocktv
"You know what’s so crazy? I’m so grateful, because when I got my phone, the way they’re making us The Princess and The Frog…I felt honored. I will be that beautiful chocolate queen if I need to be. And the comments like 'beautiful chocolate girl,' I’m like, all Black women are beautiful. There’s the whole light skin versus dark skin, which breaks my heart. I just really don’t understand that, but I will take pride and represent us well," she said.
She also candidly discussed her experience as a dark-skinned Black woman on the show. JaNa and Serena had been in the villa since the first episode, and they were the only dark-skinned Black women there. As new men aka bombshells came into the villa, they found themselves not being wanted by many of them.
"Me and Serena literally had a heart-to-heart before Kenny came in and she’s like, I just don’t think it’s fair that the Black girls don’t get enough fair chance.' Every islander that came in, we were not their top pick. And we just [thought], maybe because we’re Black girls, and the dark-skinned Black girls. It sucked," she said.
"I’m like, 'Serena, we know what we bring to the table. We’re great personalities. A guy’s going to come in for us.' That’s when we manifested what we wanted, and that’s when I manifested Kenny."
@ashleyvera__ We love to see it 🥰 #loveislandusa #loveisland #loveisland2024 #janaandkenny #loveislandseason6 #peacock #realitytv #fypage
After many failed connections, Kenny came in and immediately turned JaNa's experience around. America watched the model get the care and attention that she deserved.
"I’m not going to hold you. When I was in the bottom for a quick second, I’m like, ‘There’s no way America doesn’t [ride for us]. I know Black America had to ride for me, but maybe because I’m a dark-skinned … hmm … maybe … you feel me? And you saw the Casa Amor lineup. Beautiful, beautiful light-skinned [women]," she said.
"We looked at each other like, 'Damn, Love Island did their big one with this. And every single Casa Amor girl was like, 'You girls are gorgeous, you guys are stunning.' They expressed love. You guys are beautiful and it felt good."
Although she and Kenny came in third place, JaNa is happy that she got her man in the end. "I think the thing I’m most grateful about is the fact that this is a beautiful love story like you guys complement each other and there’s no hate toward the skin color. It’s all love and support. I love that more than anything," she said.
"That’s why I was like, 'I won,' even though I didn’t win. And the fact that Serena won, we were like, 'Yeah, run that.' Either way, we won. And I love the support from all communities."