What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  Someone asked me that question yesterday.  I was talking to her about a situation I wish I had done differently (although I think everything happens for a reason …).  She asked how would I have done it differently if I hadn’t been afraid?

What would you do if you weren’t afraid is a great question, meant to inspire us to dream beyond our boundaries, to “think big,” to pursue our goals. But while we hear the question, we think it doesn’t apply to us.  Maybe we think we’re not afraid of much. Or maybe the opposite is true — our fears overwhelm us.  

Actually, my first reaction when she asked what I would have done differently, was a feeling of defensiveness.  I found myself saying, that it was the best I could do.  But, I just keep asking myself, what things might I be doing differently if I wasn’t afraid?

Maybe I would love without the worry or fear of getting hurt myself.

Maybe I would speak my mind without being afraid of how I’d be perceived.

Maybe I’d take a long vacation all by myself, if I wasn’t afraid of leaving my family or my work.

Maybe I would write a book, if I wasn’t afraid of being vulnerable.

Am I avoiding these things because they are unrealistic or because of my fear?  Frankly, I’m not going to take a long vacation by myself (not my thing).  But, maybe I should look at my fear of slowing down and taking time for myself and work to eliminate that fear … because it’s really not the long vacation that I’m afraid of.

As yourself the question:  What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  Do you feel what I feel from that question?  A sense that I need to look deep inside myself and figure out what is my fear and what is reality?

The point here is to find out what you really, truly want in your life. And, when you figure it out you need to go for it.  Put your fear of vulnerability, failure or embarrassment out of the way.  You are likely to be surprised at the result!

Have an amazing weekend!