Working with Fear
Living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life isn't easy. It's not without difficulty, challenges, and roadblocks. It's DEFINITELY not without fear. In fact, living a meaningful and fulfilling life is likely full of fear because it means we are constantly pushing up to and expanding our edge. And the edge is scary. But, this seems to be where the aliveness is, where the fullness of life is, and where transformation lies.
So, if we want a truly meaningful and fullfilling life then it appears we have to figure out what to do with this whole fear thing. I don't recommend suppressing or ignoring it. It will likely only result in becoming louder and having a stronger hold on you.
This is the way I recommend working with it.
First, hold space for it. Lots and lots of space. Allow it to be here. Love and thank it for trying to protect you and keep you safe.
Once you are comfortable with it being here, connect back your values and your vision. Focus on your goals.
From this place, it's now time to engage courage. Think about where you are going and connect with the courage you need to get there.
Lastly, take action. Imperfect action is better than no action so get moving!
Whatever you do, don't let fear run the show.
As Elizabeth Gilbert would say in her book, Big Magic:
"Dearest Fear,
Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you'll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I'm about to do anything interesting - and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There's plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still - your suggestions will never be followed. You're allowed to have a seat, and you're allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You're not allowed to touch the road maps; you're not allowed to suggest detours; you're not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you're not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive."
How about you? Does fear have you or do you have a hold of fear? I challenge you today to take hold of fear. Don't let fear take the driver's seat of your life.
In Ultimate Support of You!
Katharine