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Most times I feel like running when what I should be doing is stepping in.
I'm talking about fear, the things that scare us. Those situations that put us back into our animalistic response mechanism of fight or flight. I'll be honest, most times I want to fly far far away. I put that difficult email off for weeks, I sit on that big proposal, I hope for the voicemail rather than a voice with that call that is scary to make. Why do we do that? Why do we run when what we should be doing is stepping in?
Over the past couple of weeks I have had to do some things that I fear. I have been forced to step into my fear in these situations and every time I come out on the other side of it saying, 'now that wasn't so bad.' One of my favorite authors, Seth Godin, calls this fear instinct the resistance or the lizard brain in his book Linchpin. Godin describes this part of us like this, "The lizard brain will fight if it has to, but would rather run away. The lizard brain cares what everyone else thinks, because status in the tribe is essential to it's survival. The lizard brain is the reason why we're afraid, the reason we don't do all of the art we can, it is the source of the resistance." The resistance is that little voice that tells us to be careful, go slow, compromise. It keeps us from shipping & finishing our projects/ it keeps us from making difficult decisions.
I think it's so important that we be aware of the resistance in our lives. Fear will ALWAYS hold us back from accomplishing the many things we are capable of. So recently, I have made a conscious decision (that I continue to struggle with) to punch fear in the face :) And instead of caving under it's pressure, I choose love, I choose freedom. I choose to stand up for myself in the face of those daunting projects and just check them off my list even when it's hard. The sad truth is if we are not consciously making a decision to fight we will inevitably let fear rule in us and flight will win. I want to exceed my potential not just live up to it, and in order to do that fear must become less and courage must become more.
Thoughts
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love this post. thank you.
This came at the very moment i needed it - as most amazing things do.
Haha, oops! Meant my last comment on your Santorini, Greece post. Though I love this post too :)
I want to go!! Beautiful work as always!
I, too, am an ENFP! And I struggle with all of the same things that Elle struggles with--WOW. It is nice not to feel alone in that. I am so proud of you, Sarah, and am really, really encouraged by your post. Thanks for breathing life into things I shrink away from.
the best thing I remember from my days of ski racing is that there is no better feeling than doing something you are afraid of. I say, bring it fear.
Oh my lil personality twin, how I feel you! "Areas ENFP's struggle with- initiating too many projects and not beling able to deliver on all of them. Introducing too much change and not leaving workable-routaines alone" At least this is what I struggle with.
Anyway- my tattoo is a quote from Rainier Rilke " Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror, just keep going, no feeling is final"
xo
Sarah... I'm right there with you! Have you ever read Pressfield's, "The War of Art" ?
Excellent read for anyone. Especially for those who create.
Keep fighting!
great thoughts Sarah! i love your blog not only for your stunning images but also for your insightful (and totally relatable) musings. would love to have a mentor session with you someday... much love from singapore :)
I just got a tattoo on my forearm that says, "Fear Not." I got it because I'm a naturally fearful person and I need reminders in my life to step out in faith. Thanks for being another reminder for me.
There are a lot of things I love about this post.
A. her dress.
B. the photo.
C. the message.
Actually C, should be A.
I've been thinking about fear a lot lately and I actually don't think it's a bad thing when I let it DRIVE ME and push me. It's when it paralyzes me that I'm in trouble. But I'm not letting that happen. This is my way of punching fear in the face :)
Love this..I am the same way. I love the sentence you wrote...it is inspiring and resonate with my own personal goals for growth at this moment.
I feel that same way daily. I get scared, even with what I am most confident with. I also constantly try make a conscious effort to fight it, and to push myself far beyond my potential.
needed to hear that today. thanks! beautiful words and photo.
Thank you for the insightful thoughts, you speak to my heart! Oh and I love the image….. I wonder who paints all of that beautiful white grout in Mykonos. (wink)
i love this. great points made and it's something i need to adapt into my own life.
Perfect words and a perfect time for me to hear them. thanks for inspiring and reminding me to let go of fear. Xoxo
well said. what scares you, Sarah? way to be unstoppable!
Awesome words! I can highly relate. Thank you for reinforcing what I know I should do.
- April