Chi-Upper...

"The best way out is always through."
Robert Frost

LIFE'S SHORT: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

One of my favorite books is "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers. This book made a big impact in my life over the past many, many years.

So many of us want something different than what we have. We want to break free, try new things, expand ourselves, and take greater risks. But I often find, even with myself, that it's the discomfort and fear around the unknown that keeps us frozen into place. The anxiety arises, we feel a little queasy, and tuck our heads right back into the sand.

I think there's a very old biological response happening here. And it's a good thing. Our bodies are always sensing if we're safe and are doing the best to protect us at all times. When the fear response kicks in, the adrenalin starts to pump, our bodies think that our lives are at stake. So our stubbornness to change is an understandable outcome.

But knowing this, and knowing (at least in our rational minds) that branching out into unknown territory isn't going to kill us, perhaps we can stretch ourselves a bit farther in 2007 than we'd ever dreamed possible.

Take my life for example. Most of you know that I am currently hosting a new show with HGTV (airing in Summer 2007). And many of you know that I have never EVER done any acting. Nothing. Nada. Zip-o. So if you think I wasn't shakin' in my boots at the thought of being on television, well you're sadly mistaken. But over the years I had come to know even more strongly that I would be just fine, and that my fears were in no way a reality. Standing in front of a camera, speaking about what I love, would very likely not kill me. The very worst thing that could happen is that they might not think I was right for tv, and they would cancel the project. BEST case, I would have my own TV show!... Well, there wasn't much question as to what my answer would be, and the risk to jump headlong into this challenge is obviously paying off in the most miraculous ways.

Last year, around this very same time (when I first met my lovely producer Amelia), I asked myself some deep and serious questions...

When I'm on my death bed:
• What do I want to look back and see that I had done?
• Do I want to know that I risked it all, made a difference, and lived fearlessly?
• Do I want to look back and wonder what my life could have been if I'd moved into, instead of away from, my challenges?

Ask yourself: Are your fears a reality? Are the things you're nervous about doing REALLY so scary if you look at them from a neutral, God's-eye perspective? Are you fulfilled in your life? If not, what baby step could you take this week, however small, that would be a movement forward?

Keep in mind, the physical response to fear, and excitement, are the same. They feel the same. Perhaps try on a different "story" about your situation... Perhaps you're just "excited" about something, rather than fearful. Restating my beliefs in this way has helped me through many challenging situations.

1. Write down a fear that YOU have.
2. Write down one thing you could do this week to push through this fear.
3. Share your actions in the "Comments" section (at the end of this article).

Your story may very likely inspire someone else to take a risk as well!

©2007 Stephanie McWilliams

Chi-Upper...

"No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit." -- Helen Keller