I’ve done many things scared in my life. Some of these fears I’ve been able to overcome through practice. Speaking in public, for instance, used to make me tremble from the inside out. My voice would shake, and the discomfort would linger long after I was done, leaving me questioning for hours or days whether I made any sense at all. With practice and positive self-talk, I’ve worked through that challenge. Although the negative self-talk still sneaks in, I’ve learned not to let that voice take over.
Even now, I struggle with heights. The physical reaction is intense—my stomach drops, my heart races, and I freeze. In 2017, our leadership team took on a ropes course challenge. In the photo to the left, I’m at the top, dressed in black and clinging on for dear life. It was only through the support of my team that I managed to get up there. I definitely did it scared. What I learned that day was how powerful community support can be. The kind, steady coaching from the Lt Col wearing the red shirt helped me move forward, one shaky step at a time. With each step, the tension on the wires loosened, and my inner critic grew louder. Still, I pushed on and made it to the other side.
What in your life scares you and keeps you stuck? Remember that with a strong community, we can do so much more than we ever thought possible. Life’s challenges aren’t meant to be faced alone. Reach out, find your Sangha—your community—and take on those fears together.
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