Overcoming Fear
Imagine being scared of something and then convincing yourself somehow that the fear you’re feeling isn’t enough to stop you from pursuing it. Isn’t that what we all want essentially? I know I do. I want the power to be strong and step out boldly despite feeling sick to my stomach with fear. So far I’ve been able to achieve really awesome things in my life and that’s only because I had a plan and didn’t allow my feelings of fear to limit me.
I remember my 6th grade teacher telling us that fear is “False Expectation Appearing Real”. In other words, our minds start to make false assumptions and outcomes that cause us to worry and quit. We often imagine the worst case scenario and then somehow talk ourselves out of being courageous and stepping out in faith. If I allowed fear to dictate my life, I would stay home all day everyday and pretty much do nothing at all. Instead, I decided early on that my dreams were too big to let fear get in the way. Instead, I’ve adjusted my thinking and got used to that uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I’d rather dive into things with hopes to be a better person as a result than sit down and let life pass me by.
After I graduated from high school, I moved 1000 miles away from home to South Carolina – a place I had never been before – to attend university on a full scholarship. I was a volleyball player with intentions to graduate and become a lawyer one day, that was the goal. Little did I know, I had quite the journey ahead of me. I remember feeling so excited and equally terrified about what was in store for me. I remember crying a lot and feeling upset that I had made the decision I did. Looking back I realize that my life has been forever changed by that 4 year experience. The many ups and downs I went through, on and off the court, taught me a lot and gave me the chance at life I have now. Since then, I’ve lived in 5 other cities in the US and in Canada, married the love of my life, earned a masters degree and a law degree, and achieved great success with my business. (One day soon, I hope to share more about having multiple passions as a lawyer and a photographer.)
When I reflect on the ways I’ve been able to overcome fear, I realize it’s simpler than it may seem. I did not use elaborate plans or schemes. I relied on a close knit group of family and friends when the going got tough. No one in my circle ever told me I couldn’t do it. Almost every idea I’ve had has been met with encouragement and support. There have been key people at each step of my journey that have given me hope and a vision, when I felt weak and out of control. If at those moments I was met with negativity or discouragement, I’m almost positive I would have given up on my dreams. Instead with the support of my friends, I’ve managed to endure. I thank God for placing them in my life.
I would also attribute my achievement to having a flexible plan.The path to success isn’t a straight line but rather a winding, twisting and turning road. With that being said, starting out with a big dream is also important. Also, things are much more achievable when they are parsed out into to smaller achievable steps. I love when Kanye said, “shoot for the stars, so if you fall you land on a cloud.” We were put on the earth to be great, so we should definitely act like it! I hope this post encourages you. I’m still on a journey, and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments section. Have a blessed day and stay tuned for the next inspirational Fearless Friday interview with a Canadian Olympian. It’s a goodie!
xo,
Sam
Photos by: Niki Marie
