I read Susan Jeffers book ‘Feel the Fear and Do it anyway!’ years ago. I liked the title and it’s a phrase I have used many times in my own life. It sounds good in theory but what is it that can spur us into action despite our fears?
When I am fearful often it can be in doing something new which is outside my comfort zone. I worked in Finance previously, managing a team within Multinational manufacturing environments and took a career break for a number of years. The easier option for me when the desire to return to the workforce really surfaced was to return to Finance. However I felt very drawn to Wellbeing which I had begun exploring in more depth for my own purposes.
I have done things in recent years which were well outside my comfort zone. Returning to college. Attending Toastmasters and presenting my first talk speaking from the heart! Getting a tattoo! Running classes on Zoom despite being a technophobe! Holding the space for others as they explore their fears. The support I received from a number of significant others in my life helped me along the way and for this I am and continue to be very grateful.
Next on my list of movement outside my comfort zone is letting people know about my offerings and requesting testimonials for my website. I have begun engaging with LinkedIn during the last three weeks. It has been heartwarming to reconnect with colleagues from the past and with some new connections. I am probably one of the few who never bothered with social media so all this is new for me!!!!! As Brené Brown says
You can’t get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability.
I may fall on my face. If I do I will be OK with that, lick my wounds, be kind to myself for my courage and efforts rather than being self-critical and of course learn from the experience. I am willing to give it a go!
So how come I have more courage now than perhaps in the past.
- I am now more open about my own challenges and difficulties and have discovered that I am not alone in that. It’s part of being human and it’s normal!
- I have begun to acknowledge, be with, and feel my fears, while tuning in to my body’s wisdom. Previously I might have ‘Just got on with it!’, ignoring or suppressing my fears!
- I now notice more choices rather than reacting habitually particularly when fearful.
- I have learnt to be more consciously kind to myself when attempting new things and thank my inner critic for trying to keep me safe, small and hidden.
- And if and when I feel ready I choose to do it anyway.
Here goes with my first blog!
Photo credit: iStock Photo ID: 1043832194. Mauricio Graiki, 25/9/18.