“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” How often have we heard that phrase? How often have we followed its advice?

I know for me, fear has had a strong level control over my entire life. While considering what to write, I was immediately brought to a memory from a childhood experience that many of us have had…learning how to ride a two-wheeled bike. I recalled how I felt when it was time to take the training wheels off my bike. I remember wanting so badly to ride around freely like the other kids, but I was afraid to take those training wheels off. I was terrified that I would fall off and didn’t want to go through the pain I just KNEW was coming! Well, finally the day came when my dad took off those training wheels and I was stuck with a two-wheeler.  There was no going back now. I was full of that nervous energy that eventually either sends us running or spurs us into action. As my dad ran behind me holding the bike, giving instructions, and eventually letting go, I’m sure I probably fell a few times before I got the hang of it, but I still did it. I didn’t let my fear stop me. Soon I was flying around the neighborhood with my friends.

There were so many other things I was afraid of as a child, but I felt the fear and did them anyway. Then I was able to feel the rush of success! What a feeling! I could be afraid of heights, but still climb up on the roof of our 3 story house when I was 7! What an exhilarating feeling as I sat there looking at the amazing view that completely surrounded me. Of course, I didn’t tell my mom about this till yeeeears later!

Fear can be an intense motivator. It puts us in that “fight or flight” state that our bodies instinctively created for our protection. One way or another, it moves us into action. Either we move through the fear or we choose to run to a self protective place of comfort. There’s nothing wrong with either choice. However, many of us begin to experience frustration when we realize that we are staying in that comfort zone more often than is in our best interests. We give up the excitement of new experiences in exchange for remaining in our comfy spot. Sooner or later, that comfy, fluffy lounge chair starts to get some lumps here and there and some indentations from us sitting there for so long.

We often hear the phrase that “FEAR = False Emotions Appearing Real” but I disagree with the “false” part. Emotions are VERY real and we feel them physically. They are there for a reason. It’s what we DO with them that makes the difference. Do we allow them to strengthen and take control so that we find it difficult to move forward? This comes under the “that which we resists, persists” category. Or do we allow ourselves to take a deep breath, acknowledge and accept what is there and move through it to the other side? Only we have that power of choice.

What fears are you ready to move through? Are you ready to experience what is on the other side? Take the training wheels off and see……