OVERCOMING FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Six Views from Heights
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been paralyzed by an overwhelming fear of heights. It’s something I can’t explain—an instinctual, irrational sense of dread that creeps up whenever I’m elevated, whether it’s a tall building or a mountain view. Lately, I’ve found myself wondering if the key to overcoming this fear lies not in avoidance but in confrontation. The idea of visiting some of the world’s most iconic high places—places that are built to make you feel small in the face of something vast—has been growing in my mind. Maybe it’s time to test my limits, challenge my fears, and see if I can finally change my relationship with heights.
What is Acrophobia?
Acrophobia, or the fear of heights, is one of those things I can’t seem to shake—no matter how many times I tell myself it’s just in my head. For me, it’s not just a little unease; it’s full-on panic when I’m up high, and I mean high. We’re talking dizziness, racing heartbeat, and this feeling that I might just spontaneously plummet into oblivion, even if I’m safely standing on solid ground. It’s like my body gets a memo that says, “Hey, you’re way too high up; time to freak out!”
And I fly a lot! I’m waaay up high in planes. But I don’t look out of the window, and distract myself with work or sleep.
Now, why does this happen?
Well, I guess it’s a survival instinct—we’re all wired to be scared of falling, right? But sometimes, it’s not just that. Maybe I had a bad experience as a kid or my mind just likes to run with the worst-case scenario. I honestly do not know. Either way, I can’t help but wonder: is there a way to outsmart this fear?
Gradual Exposure Therapy
I learned about this thing called gradual exposure therapy, and honestly, it sounds like it could actually work for me! Basically, it’s this technique where you slowly expose yourself to whatever you’re afraid of—little by little—so you don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s like dipping your toe in before jumping into the deep end. For example, with my fear of heights, I could start by looking at pictures of tall places, then maybe stand on a small balcony, and eventually work my way up to something like the Eiffel Tower. The idea is that by gradually facing the fear it becomes less intense over time. It’s all about building confidence without throwing yourself into a full-on panic attack. I’m kind of excited to give it a try! My first stop is the Empire State Building because I’m often in New York and it’s the easiest to get to.
View from the Empire State Building
I chose the Empire State Building because it’s iconic, and there’s something about standing atop one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world that feels empowering. It’s a challenge but also a chance to experience the thrill of being so high up, all while taking in an incredible view of New York. I must admit I was low-grade shaking and uncomfortable the entire time I was riding in the elevator to the top. And I didn’t go alone. Taking someone with you to distract you with conversation, I’ve discovered, is key. In this instance, my son went with me…he is NOT afraid of heights in the least. His enthusiasm was contagious and gave me courage. Stepping out onto the platform, you feel like you are standing on the top of the world. I still felt the bottom drop out of my stomach. Yet, instead of letting that overtake me, I focused on how happy my son was to be up so high, discussed what we were going to do once we were through looking at all the sites, and promised myself that if I just looked at one thing on the horizon, then I can call this a win.
And guess what happened?
I looked out!
And for (albeit) a short while, I could take in the incredible view. We were on the 86th-floor observatory deck, where a lot of movies have been filmed. It was a clear day, and we were able to see as far away as New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
I had done it and felt a great sense of accomplishment for having not only faced my fear but treated myself to a wonderfully beautiful experience. It made me excited to go back to try out the Top Deck Observatory on the 102nd floor. Yes, that’s definitely on the to-do list. It also made me keen to take this up a notch and go to some exotic places with significant heights. Here’s the list I came up with.
Five Additional Views to Face My Fears
Machu Picchu, Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, the London Eye, the Grand Canyon, and the Eiffel Tower made my top list. If I’m going to conquer this fear, I might as well do it in style, right? After my success with the Empire State Building, I am excited to stand on top of these breathtaking landmarks. Each time I do it, I think it will help me shift my perspective, literally and figuratively. Here’s why I chose these amazing places. Maybe you have some additional suggestions?
Machu Picchu: I chose Machu Picchu because it’s not just about the height—it’s about the beauty and history that surround it. The ancient ruins perched high in the mountains offer something more than just a challenge. I figure if I can conquer this, I can tackle anything. Plus, from the pictures I’ve seen, it’s breathtaking!
Victoria Peak (Hong Kong): Victoria Peak in Hong Kong caught my eye because it offers not just an incredible height, but also a stunning panoramic view of the city. It’s a chance to face my fear in one of the most beautiful settings possible—surrounded by the vibrant cityscape and lush greenery. It feels like the perfect place to push my boundaries.
The London Eye: I’ve always wanted to ride the London Eye, but every time I visit, I chicken out. It’s right there in front of me, yet I’ve never been able to face it. Next time, I’m determined to conquer my fear and finally experience the view from up top. It seems like the perfect spot to challenge myself.
T he Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon has always fascinated me, and the Skywalk is calling my name—though, honestly, it terrifies me! The glass bridge extends over the canyon, and you can look straight down into the vastness below. I’ve always wanted to experience it, but my fear has held me back. But now I’m determined to step out on that glass and face my fear head-on—because if I can do that, I can conquer just about anything!
The Eiffel Tower: I’ve been to Paris hundreds of times, but somehow, I’ve never made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s always been that one thing I’ve avoided, even though it’s right there in front of me. I’m determined to change that. Standing on top of such an iconic landmark feels like the ultimate test for me—and the perfect place to face my fear. If I can take in that Parisian view, maybe I’ll finally feel like I’ve truly conquered something. And what an accomplishment that would be!
It’s Learning to Trust Myself
Overcoming a fear like acrophobia isn’t easy, but the idea of pushing myself to face some of the world’s most iconic heights feels like the right way forward. By confronting my fear in breathtaking places like Machu Picchu, the Empire State Building, and the Eiffel Tower, I’m not just testing my limits—I’m learning to trust myself. It’s a journey, and though I know it’ll take time, I believe each step will bring me closer to conquering my fear for good. After all, sometimes, the best way to face your biggest challenge is to take it one height at a time. Stay tuned! I’ll take you along on each of these and let you know how it goes. Bags packed, and fingers crossed.