In my last blog post, I let you in on a little secret. I admitted that I am often afraid.
Wait, what?
Yes, I realize that my tagline is “Living Your Life’s Purpose Through Love, Not Fear.” But, actually, I’m on this journey right along with you. My goal is to live my tagline – every day. And, no, I’m not quite there yet.
Writer Allison Williams, Social Media Editor at Brevity magazine, wrote a fantastic blog post about this very thing – overcoming fear. It’s entitled “What Do You Love More?” It’s like this, she says:
Yes! Exactly!
Last week, I wrote that, not only have I not figured out a way to completely avoid being afraid, I am often afraid. To clarify, I do believe a healthy dose of nervous energy can be beneficial, as it keeps us on our toes and moving forward. However, I REFUSE to let Fear drive my bus. It must ride in the back if it insists on tagging along. In other words, I will continue to step outside my comfort zone in order to honor my calling and purpose, and I try to find ways to avoid focusing on the fear. This means that I actually put myself into situations that would ordinarily make me want to run and hide. Did you hear me? I challenge myself deliberately and purposefully!
One of the easiest ways to dispel fear is to come at it from a place of love and service. For example, I’m getting ready to make a (second) guest appearance on Debra Moffitt’s radio show, Divinely Inspired Living to talk about Reiki for Vets (tune in on August 15th). Thinking about the thousands of people who will be listening makes me want to curl up into the fetal position and tell Debra, “thanks but no thanks…too scared…no can do!” I mean, have you seen the guests she hosts? We’re talking FAMOUS people – Dr. Eben Alexander, Sonia Choquette, Dr. Judith Orloff, and Dr. Barbara De Angelis for crying out loud!
Instead of allowing myself to venture down that path, however, I come at it from a different angle.
“You know,” I tell myself, “there are lots of people out there who have similar backgrounds. We share the same struggle – reconciling Christianity and spirituality. They, too, are afraid to embrace their own spiritual authority. Perhaps I have something to offer. Perhaps my message will encourage at least one person to step into his/her own Truth!”
When I view things from this perspective of love and service, I get EXCITED! The excitement replaces the fear. It’s kind of like riding a rollercoaster – and I LOVE rollercoasters! Yes, I’m scared shitless, but I DO IT ANYWAY….because it’s exhilarating and liberating, and when it’s over, I realize that IT WAS SO WORTH IT!
The bottom line is, yes, I still get butterflies. But, now, I translate that nervousness into excitement instead of fear. Because, it’s not about me. It’s about how I can be of service to others, spread the love, and live my Purpose!