Many times, fear kept me from moving forward. Usually, this fear was based on past experiences. The discomfort was real, and I allowed myself to avoid so many things in the name of staying safe. Turns out…by doing this, I was avoiding a really cool experience, not something terrible.
Same, girl. Same.
Comically, I discovered that once I finally broke that barrier (like simply saying hello to someone I crossed down the hallway–yes, I was painfully shy, still am), it was…freeing. Not scary anymore. The unknown had less power over me because I chose to do the darn thing anyway.
Have any of you seen Spirited Away? Specifically, the staircase scene? If not, here’s the link to the clip. If you just need a quick summary: Chihiro was afraid of heights, so she approached the stairs carefully. Sometimes, closing her eyes, she went down each step one by one. Yet, when one step broke, the fear from that experience jolted her into rushing down the steps at a frantic pace. I find that many times, even though fear can be all-consuming, there are moments that spring you into action–maybe faster than you really wished to go initially.
Chihiro was really, really scared. But she pushed herself and made it–maybe a little clumsily–down to where she needed to be.
I like to think that I’ve been in certain situations similar to that.
Hey, I’m not calling myself a pioneer. I am definitely not the first person looking for adventure or anything outside of my “comfort level.” That’s a whole other fun subject to talk about. Any fellow Enneagram 9’s around? Heehee.
But I see where sometimes a challenge can bring around some really amazing experiences that shape us in a way that we never expected we could. Even if it’s done in a clumsy way, IT STILL COUNTS.
Chihiro probably had no idea that she was that strong. I’m certain you don’t, either. But guess what? You are. I know this because you clearly care about facing something as scary as anxiety. You’ve got this! 💪