I was listening to a podcast the other day and I heard this question asked. What would you do if you weren’t afraid? What wouldn’t I do?
In my twenties I wasn’t afraid. I travelled the world on my own, fell wildly in love, applied for jobs which were way out of my league, sang at open mike nights whenever I could and generally lived life. But I got older and things happened which I never thought would and this made me a little fearful. So I stopped doing things and I protected myself and my children and along the way, that little bit of fear stayed. So when I heard this question I thought I would make a list. What would I do?
I would write on this blog every day instead of worrying about what people might say. Or might not say!
I would finish writing my book. And then show it to someone.
I would ride a bike.
I would fly both south and north to visit dear friends, despite my deep seated fear of flying.
I would accept invitations and go out and socialise more instead allowing my fear of feeling left out stop me from meeting up with friends.
I would travel on public transport more often.
I would drive to the beach on a regular basis.
I would write and submit an abstract to a conference that I badly want to speak at. I have no fear at all of speaking in a public space but I fear my abstract will be rejected.
I would accept rejection as being a fact of life and then move onto the next challenge instead of being crippled by the fear of it.
I would sing in a band.
I would start a band.
I would organise book club once and for all instead of fearing how tired I will be if I stay up too late (this is complete madness I know)
I would throw dinner parties on a regular basis and stop worrying that I am a single woman with mainly couple friends and how this might play havoc with seating arrangements.
I would stop fearing how quickly life is passing by and just embrace every day as it comes.
There are so many more. I will no doubt think of another ten things the minute I post this. And I want to choose at least one of these things to say yes to, although I’m not sure which one yet. But enough about me. I would love to hear from you.
What would you do, if you weren’t afraid?
