Hi You,

I know we haven’t formally met, so – Hey, I’m Ellie, and it’s nice to meet you virtually! 🙂

I recognize that look in your eyes. Come on. You know the one I’m talking about. The one that you can fool pretty much anyone else with to lower any suspicion of not feeling well. The shield you put up to keep others at bay, for you think if you were to say how you felt, an avalanche would ensue. The one that makes you think you’d be letting others down for admitting that you don’t feel okay. If the look had a name, it would be Fear. Not Fear of being a wimp, but the kind of Fear that paralyzes you. Fear that keeps you from reaching your highest potential.

You may or may not be familiar with the George Addair quote, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” And really, what is Fear, anyway? Dictionary.com defines it as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.” This definition explains impeccably well why you push off facing your fears. This is because it is a distressing emotion aroused by evil, danger, or pain that does not sound inviting. You do not generally want to endure risk or discomfort; however, if you knew what would result, you may think twice. 

Eleanor Roosevelt advised, “Do one thing a day that scares you.” Scary and Fear are related, so why would Eleanor suggest this? She suggested it because once you conquer that Fear, you free yourself from it. Stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your growth. You will feel accomplished and encouraged to keep going. Do not be a prisoner to your fears because often they are scarier in your head. 

Finally, if all else fails, take it from Yoda, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Translation (for my non-Star Wars folks): Quit while you’re ahead because you do not deserve to suffer. That is no way to live; it will beget a miserable, bitter life. You’re braver than you know, and sometimes it takes overcoming an obstacle to show your strength. Do not give up, and never let fear win.