I like to tell people that life coaching is a lot about working with one’s Fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of being judged by others, etc. Fear is what holds us back from being our best selves. Fear is crafty. Fear is slick. Fear tells lies to keep us in our safe little bubble of life. Fear likes to win. Are you familiar with what I’m talking about???
This week I am skiing some big slopes out West. Fear shows up here for me. Uninvited I must say, but at the top of the mountain it whispers in my ear “Karin, are you crazy???” “you are going to get hurt if you attempt to ski that!” “who do you think you are? This run is way above you and your level of expertise.” Blah, blah, blah…everyone can relate to what I’m saying here.
Then another perspective comes in. One from someone very close to me. He is an expert skier, but more importantly, he understands fear and how to slay that dragon. He tells me “just do your turns, one at a time. Trust your edges (skis).” One at a time. Trust. One at a time. Trust. He essentially is whispering in my ear ‘be in the moment. Go back to what you know how to do. Trust your equipment.’ Its not really a pep talk but more of a reminder of how much of fear is really mental. Do the mental reminders and believe them. When you believe the dragon of fear you give up your potential to grow. Maybe I am growing in my ski ability… but even deeper than that I am growing in my ability to take a leap of faith… to get to the next level in my confidence. This is truly a trip that is helping me with confidence and working with my thinking. I am the master of my life, not fear. I am. Believe in what is possible for yourself in your life. Maybe its achieving a new level in a sport, and maybe its taking that big jump in your career. Or wherever it is, know that fear is a product of your thinking and you are more than just your thinking. You are your emotions, your bodily sensations, your beliefs, dreams, and relationships with others.
Here’s what I say to fear…’thank you fear for showing how important this is to me.’ It really is a reminder… maybe that’s all it is.
