I was never big on risk-taking. I preferred the comfort of my front porch, bound by what I was sure of. Where I felt safe. Until I met someone who inspired me to take a chance for once and live a little. So when Ronnie asked me to a late night party at the outdoor roller rink, I said yes. Little did I know, he was going in just as blind as I was.

The rink was jammed pack. Skaters grooved, twirled and performed choreographed routines in a non-stop whirl of energy. Some flailed their arms trying to stay on their feet. Others glided to the music in their heads, lost in their own rhythm. Most looked like they'd been doing this for years, threading in and out of the crowd like pros. We were way out of our league.

The thought of being swallowed into that rainbow hurricane made me want to Marty Mcfly my way out of it. As intimidating as it looked, I made a decision. I'd been stuck in my tiny circle long enough. I was ready to take the leap.

The pace slowed as "It's Tricky" faded into "Don't Stop Believin." Looking over at Ronnie I saw the terror in his eyes. I was scared too. This was going to be like hopping onto a moving train. There was no way we were making it out unscathed, but we didn't come all this way just to turn back around. No regrets.

I held my hand out to him against the warnings of my thudding heart. "I will if you will." He hesitated for a brief moment then latched on. And we jumped in.

We started off slow and shaky. I had no idea what I was doing, suddenly aware of all my shortcomings. I wanted to turn back around. We kept going anyway. Not focusing on those around us, but looking straight at ahead at where we wanted to go. Just when I thought I got the hang of it, I lost control of my footing and before I knew it, I was staring up at the stars. The view from here wasn't as bad as I imagined.

Ronnie appeared above me and helped me back on my feet. Once I was somewhat steady, we laughed. For the rest of the night, we sailed on the unknown. Inexperienced, but learning every lap we took. I can't tell you that hitting the ground got easier, but the comfort of knowing we could always get back up and try again broke the fall.