When’s the last time you did something that scared you? I’m not talking about fears like tarantulas, cellars, ghosts, and giant underwater sea creatures (things which scare the bejeezus out of me!), but things that push you out of your comfort zone and into the abyss of the unknown. Whether that’s leaving your boring old job for a new career, asking out that totally amazing person you just met, or trying something physical that you’ve never done before, embracing your fears can be motivating, stimulating, and even liberating.
I feel your fear, Peter Brady.
Even though I’m one of the biggest scaredy cats you could ever hope to meet when it comes to ghost stories, horror movies, and spooky environs, I’m also pretty brave when it comes to putting myself out there. I talk to you here about things that are embarrassing, upsetting, and even humiliating. I share my secrets and fears with you every week. And I’m absolutely that woman who will walk up to the handsome guy on the other side of the room, introduce myself, and flirt like there’s no tomorrow. I’m betting you’re the same – in some ways, you’re very brave, and in other ways, you’re a big ol’ wimp.
Trying new physical things can be very intimidating for a lot of people. Of course, you don’t know what your body can accomplish if you don’t try, but it takes a lot of guts just to lace up your trainers, pull on the swimsuit, or sign up for that event. And that fear can come from both outside (What if it hurts? What if my body literally can’t do it?) and inside (What if I get laughed at? What if I embarrass myself?).
Pretty much what I imagine is on the deep ocean floor.
So, how do you overcome that fear? To borrow a phrase: You just do it. Deep breath, shoulders back, and… go.
Last night, I walked into the spin room at the gym and got on the bike for the first time. My fear came from both inside and outside: Could my bum left knee and perpetually bothersome right leg (I like to keep things balanced) even allow me to ride that bike? I’ve been improving my cardiovascular fitness through swimming for the past nine months, but what if I’m out of breath and panting five minutes in? What if I am too fat to do it, what if people laugh at me for trying? What if I have to give up and walk out?
I don’t care if Thor’s down there, I’m not going in the cellar.
Well, maybe…
Thankfully, I was able to try out the bike before class started (thank you, Marti!). I rode for about 15 minutes, at a very low gear. I wasn’t able to stand up and pedal, because that bothered my lower extremities, but I kept my RPMs where they needed to be for the duration, and that made me feel great. There are mirrors all over that room, so I very clearly saw what I looked like while pedaling that bike… and it wasn’t the end of the world. I looked like a fat woman riding a spin bike, which I was, and it was fine. The people in the class who showed up early to warm up? They were super nice and inviting, encouraging me to stay for the duration of the class. (I had plans with friends, so I couldn’t stay – but I plan on taking a full spin class next week!)
The only negative thing about the experience, the only thing I should have been afraid of? How sore my butt got. Ha!
A prize is yours if you know who’s pretending to be this ghost!
(The prize being my admiration.)
The moral of the story? There are a couple, actually. First: You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Second: Don’t run and hide from fear. Face it, grab it by the hand, and walk through the door with it. You never know where it will lead you.
Unless it’s leading you into a haunted cellar full of giant underwater tarantulas. Then, by all means, run and hide!
