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!
Written by : drallisonbrown
Congrats in advance for overcoming your fear of sharing the you that’s true. And I think there is a lot of wisdom in your approach: facing these challenges through sense of service and love may not dispel the doubt, but will likely provide the strength and resolve to persevere.
Thank you!
Not sure I’d claim to have completely overcome it, Gabe….there is a fine line between excitement and anxiety :) Nevertheless, I feel that we must ALL start fearlessly living our Truths, encouraging others in our authenticity.
I never knew and I thought I know you well.
You are definitely approaching it the right way.
If anyone you are the one…
Thanks! They say, fake it till you make it. Good to know that you can’t tell :)
I kind of like the butterflies feeling of doing something that scares me. It makes the feeling of accomplishment after so much more rewarding! Great post! :)
Exactly! That’s what I was getting at! Re-interpreting those butterflies…
Great food fot thought here ?
Thanks, Rita! I truly appreciate your support!
Agree I think if we give into fear we will have regrets of things not tried/experiences not had. That I find sad.
Right! We have to get to the place where the regret would be worse than the fear.
Your posts really make readers think x they help people more than you know
Thank you! That really makes my day! Although I write for myself, mostly, in order to honor my inspiration, you can’t help but wonder if people read and/or care about what you have written :)
I don’t think I have ever had butterflies from fear…I just get them from being excited (or when I fancy someone…)
Still, I do get what you mean. I hope you keep fear away from the driver’s seat!!
Josy, that’s funny… I still get butterflies around my husband of 28 years!
I know exactly what you mean! I’m focused on living a courageous life. I don’t know that I’ll ever be fearless but courage is moving forward despite that fear and that’s something I can do! We’re on the same wave length, I’ve recently shared a similar message. Here’s to encouraging people to be more courageous in pursuit of their purpose! <3
Yay, Niki! I’m glad we’re on the same page. I agree, we may never completely conquer the fear, but we can live in courage and keep moving forward!
Great post. I think many people struggle with the difference between religion and spirituality.
I agree, Lisa, and that’s one of the things I hope to address in my blog… not overtly, but by presenting different perspectives.
I love the idea of replacing fear with excitement. The only problem I have with the concept is that I married into a family where excitement EQUALS fear. I learned right away that if an in-law (or even my hub) asked if I wanted to do something ‘exciting’ to answer ‘no thank you’!
Haha! Kind of like, “hey Bubba, hold my beer for a sec…”
Gosh, I love this post! And, I get everything you write about. You see, I have this irrational fear of germs. It started when I was in elementary school, and I’ve always just carried it with me, and not because I want to. Public bathrooms? One of the scariest places for me. But, I love camping, love the outdoors, and love going on road trips with my family. I bet you can guess what this means. Yes, lots of public bathrooms. And guess what? I survive every time. Plus, I get to go on these incredible adventures all over the U.S. with my family. Not over my fear, but I’m beating it – one road trip at a time.
Wow! Thanks, Erin, for sharing this example of overcoming fear on a regular basis! It’s interesting how these (often irrational) fears take hold even when our (rational) minds know better!