I am probably one of the most cautious people you will ever meet. I was that kid that voluntarily wore a helmet and knee pads because I was scared of falling off my bike. I was that teenager that made sure I always kept three car spaces between my car and the car in front of me because I was scared of getting in a wreck, etc. Secondly, I am also one of the most anxious people you will ever meet. Like you could give me the statistics all day long about how planes are by far the safest way to travel and I would still basically be in tears boarding the plan worrying about if it will crash. You get the point.
I have let these worries and fears define me and there are have more times than I can count that they have kept me from experiencing new things and from participating in the things I love. But about three months ago I was confronted with the possibility of one of my biggest dreams becoming a reality. My friend decided to hike the Camino de Santiago and was inviting me to hike it with her. You see, one side of my brain was like OMG THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER and the other side of my brain was like planes, backpacking, strangers, foreign country, so much to go wrong.
Usually the latter side wins. I convince myself that the planes aren’t safe, or that I would be dumb to think that I could survive backpacking across Spain, or that I wouldn’t make it in a foreign country regardless. Then everyone else ends up going and I miss out on what would be an incredible experience.
Well this time is different. I bought my ticket to Spain, I bought my guide to hiking the Camino de Santiago, and I write this just as I got back from my 7 mile training walk. Now, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous or that doubt about the entire trip doesn’t creep into my mind. But this time I am not letting it win.
Friends, you might be wondering why I just rambled on about my life currently but in short I want to encourage you this new year (and always) to overcome your fears. Step out of your comfort zone. Do something you never thought you would be able to do.
I would love to hear about all the little (or big) ways you are stepping out of you comfort zone this year so if you have an new, fun, and amazing goals for this year put them down in the comments!
xoxo
Hannah
Lost Passion 
I love this post! Years back I read a book called “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”. It changed me. Recognizing the dichotomous nature of the two human motivations (love and fear) for doing anything is a stretch for anyone on this life’s journey. You have such a cool journey, and choosing to live from love instead of fear…Yay You! My mantra for years has been “I choose Love”. May your choice for doing something out of love propel you into the next great adventure, and the next and the next….
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I’ll have to check out that book! Thank you for sharing and for taking the time to check out my blog!
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You make great points!!!! I have a few fears on my list and I am going to work on them one by one , with God’s help. But your blog reminded me I need to stop thinking about it and do something !! Thanks for the inspiration
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Sorry for the delayed response, I have been away from the computer. I’m glad I could speak words you needed to hear! With God by your side I have no doubt in my mind you will conquer these fears!
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