Riding the Wave: Embracing Fear Like a Boss

So, let’s talk about fear. You know, that heart-pounding, stomach-churning sensation we all love to hate? Yeah, that’s the one. It’s like our brain’s way of saying, “Hey, watch out, danger ahead!” But what if I told you that fear could be your BFF instead of your worst enemy? Crazy, right? Well, hear me out.

Picture this: you’re about to take on something totally new and scary, like starting a side hustle or asking out your crush. Your palms are sweaty, your mind’s racing with a million “what ifs,” and you’re pretty sure your heart’s about to leap out of your chest. Classic fear in action. But here’s the thing – that fear? It’s not here to hold you back; it’s here to propel you forward.

Think about all the times you’ve faced your fears and come out on top. Remember that job interview where you totally nailed it, despite feeling like you were gonna hurl the whole time? Or how about that solo trip you took, even though the thought of navigating a foreign city alone made you want to crawl into bed and never come out? Yeah, those were moments of fearlessness in action.

So, how do we embrace fear and turn it into our secret weapon? Here are a few tips from someone who’s been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale:

1. Know thy enemy: Take a good, hard look at what’s got you shaking in your boots. Is it fear of failure, fear of rejection, or just good ol’ fashioned fear of the unknown? Once you know what you’re up against, you can start to tackle it head-on.
2. Fake it ’til you make it: Ever heard that saying? Well, turns out there’s some truth to it. Sometimes, you just gotta put on your bravest face and dive in, even if you’re quaking on the inside. The more you act like you’ve got this, the more you’ll start to believe it yourself.
3. Find your tribe: You know what they say – strength in numbers. Surround yourself with people who’ve got your back and cheer you on, even when you’re feeling wobbly. Whether it’s friends, family, or your trusty pet goldfish, having a support system can make all the difference.
4. Celebrate the wins: Big or small, every victory counts. So, pat yourself on the back, treat yourself to a victory dance, or heck, throw yourself a full-blown parade. You earned it, champ.

At the end of the day, fear is just another part of the wild ride we call life. So why not strap in, throw your hands in the air, and enjoy the ride? After all, the biggest adventures often start with a little fear and a whole lot of courage. So go ahead – embrace the fear, ride the wave, and see where it takes you.

The picture of me looking “touristy” may not mean a thing to you. But when my dad said, “I’d like to come back some day to walk across the bridge,” after we had posed in front of the bridge, and looked at the bridge, and left to take the trolley across town, I knew I had to make sure he walked on that bridge. That day. If he was willing to trek across the country for me, log miles in the air, driving across the state and back from National Parks to Ball Parks, this was something that I would definitely do for him. And we did it. I embraced the shakes, the years of worry when driving acrss a bridge, and we walked that big beautiful bridge together.

Trust me. It was worth it.