" My goat friend asked me if I have ever Fire Walked before. I have never heard of it. He told me that its a great feeling and a wonderful rush. Catching my interest, I decided to go with him and see what he was talking about. He invited me to this small pit filled with hot coals. He walked onto them and danced around on the still burning rocks. He motioned for me to join him in the pit, but I remained on the side, curling my toes in the thought of my pads touching hot rock. Even the sudden change in heat around me sent a shiver up my spine and arms. He kept on inviting me to join him and even reached out to grab my hand. As much as I would like to venture onto that pit, I didn't really want to feel pain and have my paws blistering in the after math... "

Everyone does something they believe is fantastic and comfortable while others think of the same activity in the opposite way. What may seem fun to someone doesn't mean it would be fun to another. Everyone has their own unique taste in venturous activities. They feel comfortable preforming them and showcasing them. If they try to bring someone over to the activity they enjoy, that person needs to feel comfortable with the idea. There is nothing wrong to saying NO to something you don't feel comfortable with. You don't need to say WHY or go into detail why you don't like it, but just simply and politely recline the offer. If you continued to be pressured into the activity you feel uncomfortable with, then you can explain why you can't and why you won't. You know your body and your limits more than anyone else and it is up to you to decide if this is something you can mentally and/or physically take without having you feel destroyed or regret your actions.

artwork © 2016 Alex Cockburn