I fear many things.
Heights. Enclosed spaces. Failure. Rejection. A world devoid of books and gummy bears. A zombie filled apocalypse. Running out of time. Becoming invisible.
Fear has been a constant companion throughout my life. A gut wrenching, stomach churning unseen force that makes my mind race with questions. A voice that plagues me with what-if's.
Terri Cole spoke about this 'Mind Mafia' over at Tiny Buddha and she has gotten me thinking about this concept of living fearlessly. I dove into the post with a healthy dose of skepticism because the idea of being fearless has always seemed idealistic.
Is being fearless even possible?
I don't know.
But I think that you and I, we can try. Being fearless does not mean you approach your fears with unwavering courage. It does not mean that you go in with your chest out, guns blazing and capes flying.
Being fearless is second-guessing yourself and being vulnerable. It is not knowing what the future will hold. It's two steps forward, one step back. It's looking at your terrifying bank balance and your unpaid bills. It's feeling overwhelmed looking at your to-do list. It's wondering 'Why am I doing this?' and 'Is this worth all the grief?'.
.... and then going for it with sweaty palms and a racing heart.
It is hitting 'Publish' when you are wondering if people are listening to you. It is pursuing you dreams when you are told it's 'safer' to get a normal job. It is speaking your mind even when your voice shakes.
Understand that fear is a very real feeling, stop running away from it and start acknowledging your fears - write them down if you have to. Instead of letting fear define every action you take try to look at it in a rational and systematic manner. Be present now. Avoid being stationary, connect with people, be alert and open.
Identify you fear but don't allow yourself to be shaped by it.
Tell me, are you ready to be FEARLESS? What is most courageous thing you've done?
Have a fear-free week!
xoxo
Love the post, Nuz!
ReplyDeleteI believe that to be fearless, one has to face their fears.We can be fearless and brave when we know our own weaknesses. I am afraid of a lot of things, but I know them.I know myself and my fears to be ready to face them.
Exactly, acknowledging our fears is the first step! :)
DeleteI'm scared of like everything but because I don't really show it, that's what makes me closer to being fearless. I know you probably don't care, but I'm writing a book about this kind of thing. The character (she isn't main) has the power to see your darkest fears and use them against you which has a side effect of her being fearless, but in reality, she's the one who's the most scared out of everyone.
ReplyDeleteI think we all have some element of fear. And if we didn't have fear, we woudn't understand what it is, nor would we ever be able to make rational decisions.
Great Post, Nuz
I love the sound of your WIP and I'm definitely intrigued! And you are right, whether we like it or not fear DOES play a role in our life.
DeleteThank you for reading, Nova! :)
Great post! I have many fears myself, and keeping them in check is a constant battle. I've come to have peace with the fact that I will never be able to live without fear, but I have decided that I don't want my fears to interfere with my happiness. So even though I'm scared to death at flying and I sit still the entire flight squeezing my hands until we touch the ground again, I book flights to lovely places. Feeling afraid is horrible, and it requires a lot of strength and energy to not let it influence you, but when you do something in spite of your fears you feel so good.
ReplyDeleteOh I love that! I've never flown but yes, I think that might be one of my fears too. So glad to hear that you don't let it hold you back, Celine! :)
DeleteI have so many fears I would say I am on the opposite side of fearless. Fears have dictated so much of my live and it's restricting me in what I can and want to do. Just like you I am terrified of heights, it's one of the fears I encounter often especially when I was job searching and was afraid my job interview would be in a high building. I am also terrified of dogs, elevators, rooms without windows, not having/ losing control, airplanes and most other ways of transport as well. My fear of dogs is also one that influences my daily life and there was a time I had to talk myself into going out of the house and was terrified I would encounter a dog in the flat I live, because then there's no way I can go to avoid it. Nowadays it's easier, but I am still afraid I just try to not let it control my life.
ReplyDelete"It is pursuing you dreams when you are told it's 'safer' to get a normal job." This! I choose to start my own blog tour organizing company, I also think this is the most couragous thing I have done. It was a huge step and now I am almost a year further, but I still often hear peopel suggesting I should get s afer job. And I know this job comes with risks, but if there's even a chance I can do this for a living I just have to try this. Because if I don't try, I'll never know and that's not something I want to live with.
Maybe one day I can conquer some of my fears, but until that day I take small steps foward and hope oen day it will be enough.
Loss of control tops my list and so does enclosed spaces! I'm so glad to hear that you haven't let fear get in your way-By starting your tour organizing company not only have you have taken the leap, you also get to do the thing you love the most!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts-I'm truly honored and inspired, Lola! :)