“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. ‘ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Throughout the course of human evolution, fear has kept us safe. It has heightened our judgement, helped us make better decisions, and kept us aware of our dangerous surroundings. In our modern, developed country, however, fear is often more detrimental than advantageous. We grow through every experience that scares us, but fear often keeps us in our comfort zone, locked away safe from taking risky actions and pursuing our aspirations. I’m sure many of us were scared or nervous the first time we walked into a pole studio. What would it be like? What should I wear? I don’t know how to dance – can I even do this? I don’t belong here. Still, we consciously chose fear over the alternative – staying at home, safe from new experiences. Though we may have felt uncomfortable, anxious, and out of place, we quickly discovered a new passion, and have stuck with it since. Paula was scared when she decided to start her own business. Over 10 years later, she has built a thriving community of strong women (and men) who support each other inside and outside of the pole studio. If she hadn’t embraced that fear, we wouldn’t have the community we do today.
It is only by embracing our fear that we make our lives worthwhile. Whatever it is that scares you, try it. Talk to that person you’re interested in. Try a new hobby. Quit your job and travel. Perform at an open mic night. Be vulnerable. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. If you climbed this mountain, you can climb the next.