Day Nine: How do fears limit your daily life?
We’ve acknowledged our fear; now is another hard step; to look at and examine in what ways fear has held us back – not only in grand ways but in our daily lives. In what ways do we let our fear take the driver’s seat?
We are free to do everything when we admit that fear can restrict, limit, or prevent us from testing our limits and escaping our comfort zones. Living at the edges, where fear shows up, is a magical place where self-discovery, enrichment, and growth happen—but only if we can see our fear and take the necessary steps to push beyond it.
Humans are creatures of comfort and safety, and I am no exception. I find solace in my schedules and routines, preferring the familiarity of the known over the uncertainty of the unknown. Fear of what lies beyond has hindered me significantly and subtly.
For instance, during my college years, an opportunity arose to travel abroad with friends over the summer. However, fear of the unknown kept me from seizing this opportunity to explore. Similarly, I’ve purchased tickets to events that piqued my interest but hesitated to attend alone out of fear.
As a substitute teacher, fear has also played a role in my professional life. I’ve canceled assignments at unfamiliar schools, fearing the uncertainty of the environment. Despite making progress in overcoming fear, it still occasionally holds me back. However, I’ve learned the value of pushing past my comfort zone and embracing discomfort for the valuable lessons it brings.
A significant milestone in my journey was a solo trip to Italy with my daughter. Navigating the complexities of travel—such as trains, hotels, flights, and excursions—was daunting, but the experience allowed me to confront my fears head-on. Subsequently, I’ve attended concerts and events alone, some of which I thoroughly enjoyed and others not so much. But I put myself in a place of discomfort to learn those things I do and do not enjoy.
While I have not completely overcome my fears, I have ventured to the edges and reaped the rewards of embracing discomfort.
Always,
Your Trusted Friend 💀
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