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Friday, January 16, 2009

Fearless

When I am feeling strong, I remind myself of the bold things that I have done, like jumping out of an airplane, taking on a major project that required tricky negotiations with foreign bureaucracies, quitting a secure government job for one with less pay but more passion, traveling to places where there are bedbugs and threats of war, and sending my writing out into the great unknown world of publishing.

When I am feeling weak, I remember the times when I have backed down from conflict, not reached out to a friend because I thought I might get rejected, watched other people get hurt without standing up to the bully, not taken chances with my writing and art, and let exciting opportunities pass me by because I was afraid I would fail.

Lately, I've been recognizing more and more often the many times that fear has stood in the way of opportunities. This year, I want to be a little more fearless.

When I am fearless...

(song by Martyn Joseph)

14 comments:

Jen Lee said...

I love this! "Fearless" is MY word for the year, too. As in, if I were not afraid right now, what would I do, and then doing it.

Anvilcloud said...

I could also use a big dose of courage.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful video. I wish I had a bit more fearlessness in me.

Interestingly enough my word verification is: prowerp - kind of a play on words of power and prowess in my mind.

Karla said...

Made me cry... I haven't cried in a long while - I'm too afraid of what it will reveal in me.

Thank you for your risk.

Hope said...

Motivation... is what i need....
sigh.
loved the video, am cheering for you,
hugs

Kelly said...

I've always thought you were incredibly courageous - certainly tons more than I - I've seen you act fearlessly many times. You set an amazing example for your girls. When it gets down to it though, I don't think it's about being fearless - it's OK to have some fear otherwise we'd do reckless, stupid things - it's about moving ahead despite those fears and being strong and courageous when the risk is worth it. You go girl!

Liz said...

Loved the video. And I am more motivated than ever now. By the way, I've lost 6 pounds now!

Pamela said...

if your video is any indication - I'd say you were getting there.

ps. held my breath when you hit the ground, hard.

mmichele said...

Wow.

This is why I cherish your friendship. I'm going to find a chai latte this weekend and drink it in your honour.

joyce said...

so good to be here and read your thoughts again. Amazing video- inspiring. Courageous. Fear is such a crazy, powerful force. It works to protect us, but then sometimes shields us form the potentially wonderful.

I would like to join on this resolve to live a little more bravely. I would like to...

tricia said...

great video! Love it:)

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for posting this. I am sitting her wiping the tears off my cheeks.

I found your blog when Andrea Pratt of Colouring Outside the Lines posted on my blog "I think you have a kindred spirit in Winnipeg."

Olivia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lynn Cohen said...

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!