Growing up, I was always the cautious, conservative girl and in a lot of ways, that is still the same today.  I held back from trying many things because I was always fearful.  In some ways, it served me well because I never got involved in anything too dangerous or harmful but, in other ways, it held me back from experiencing new things.  Don’t get me wrong.  I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone at times.  I was the shy girl who became a high school cheerleader, something I never thought I was capable of.  I was the girl in college who was paralyzed with fear at having to give a speech in public speaking class who became the executive running group meetings.

When I became a mom, one of the vows I made was to really push my kids to experience life to the fullest.  Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing something that could be potentially really great in the end.  From the fear of roller coasters or heights to bigger things like getting hurt or having your heart broken or being open to new relationships and opportunities, it’s so important for them to know that life is meant to be lived without fear.  While it is so natural to be afraid, it’s also so vital to know letting fear control your life can be painful at times.

As I have gotten older, I’m still not the first person to jump on the crazy ride at a theme park or go jumping out of a plane, but I have definitely taken some leaps of faith that have gotten me to where I am today.  I have taken my words from private journals out to this blog and I have been more honest and open with those closest to me than I ever thought I could be.  Vulnerability can be scary too but opening ourselves up to new things can open so many wonderful doors.  So the next time you find yourself stuck at a crossroads and fear is holding you back, think about what you might be missing if you don’t take that jump.