” Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think for a moment about going on a roller coaster…. what do you sense in your body? Probably if you’re like me, it’s a combination of butterflies in your stomach, tightness in your chest and restriction in your throat, or some combination thereof. Well, these sensations can be interpreted as EITHER fear or excitement. Now think of something you are really excited about… something you are looking forward to, working towards, something that lights your fire. Chances are the body sensations are the same.
The tragedy is when we interpret this feeling only as fear and let it stop us from taking a step into the unknown… perhaps following a goal, a dream or even just setting a boundary or trying something new. It may indeed be fear, but that doesn’t mean it is something to be avoided… rather, it means you are stepping OUT of your comfort zone into the only place where growth happens.
All too often we stay safe emotionally. However, it’s only when we take risks that we can expand and grow and test ourselves, and often the risks have been overestimated….. “if I feel fear then it must be scary, something to be avoided at all costs”. Stop and re-interpret… what if this is excitement? Now complete the sentence “if I feel excitement then __________”.
Think of something you have been wanting to pursue, address, try, write about, speak about, that you have felt fear about. Re-interpret that as excitement and see what you think now….
Having the fear is natural. Letting it stop you from going after your dreams is a tragedy.” – Jonathan Fields
