Embracing fear
Embracing fear
What stands in the way of living a creative life?
What stops us from bringing forth the treasures that are hidden within us?
Fear does.
We're afraid we're not good enough, that we aren't worthy, that we don't have the talent or that we're too old or too young to start anything new.
And the list goes on.
Every one of us comes equipped with a unique set of fears that prevent us from living our fullest, creatively-satisfying, and abundant life.
Remember, your fear is not you. It’s the part of you that wants to protect you from getting hurt again.
Don’t avoid it.
Don’t numb it.
Approach it with compassion and curiosity.
It will show you the wounded places that need to be healed.
Let it become your ally rather than your enemy.
Make space for it. Allow it to co-exist alongside your creativity, but, don’t give it the driver's seat. Let a higher part of yourself lead the way.
In her book Big Magic, author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her version of an exercise I often ask my clients to do.
Prepare a welcome speech for fear, and deliver it just before embarking on a new creative adventure.
Gilbert writes:
"Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently, your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. By all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”
Are you ready to embrace a new relationship with fear?
If so, I encourage you to write your version of this speech. Then, deliver it, out loud, as often as possible.
Enjoy the ride.
Art from Randy Stuart / 100 Days of Creative High Growth Alumni / Class of 2022