Let’s face it; being fearless sounds like a tall order.  This can be a big scary world!  And being fearless can mean many different things to different people.  I thought it would be fun to take a look at how being fearless starts with the little things in life.

I can’t tell you how many times I have avoided getting on the scale when I’ve had a week of not sticking to my fitness goals.  Those red numbers flashing from zero to reality can be terrifying!  All kidding aside, though, if I avoid stepping on the scale, for me, I’m not being true to the goal of taking care of my physical body.

I want to be clear on a point, though; I am not advocating being a slave to the scale. I’m also not advocating getting crazy over weight.  I’m on the short side so I have to be careful about what I eat and drink because it can pack on the pounds easily.   I generally step on it about once a month because it keeps me honest.  And standing on that scale is a place where I am not fearless!

We all have things that strike fear into our hearts and maybe hold us back. Some people are afraid to try new foods.  Others are fearful of being in a social situation where they are uncomfortable.  Some are terrified to fly.  I used to be all of the above.  I learned that it takes time and attention to get past these fears so I can live a fearless life.  What I’ve also learned is that awareness is 50% of the battle.

I’d like to share a story with you.

Some time ago, I moved to an area where I didn’t know a soul.  It was complicated by the fact that we moved out into the country where there were no close neighbors.  After a couple of months, I craved a connection with women in my area.  As I perused a flyer that came in the mail one day, I noticed a listing for a yoga class at the local high school.  I left it there for over a week, picking it up every day, before I finally called to reserve a spot.  The night of the class, I almost didn’t go and probably wouldn’t have if I had gotten home from work even five minutes later.

I walked into the school feeling nervous but plastering a smile on my face.  As I surveyed the room, not one woman looked up to say hello.  It was obvious to me they all knew each other and seemed content to keep it that way.  I stepped over them, disappointment washing over me in a wave, to an open spot near the window.  I sat down on my colorful mat all the while holding what felt like a ridiculous grin.  As a group, they continued their private conversation.  The next five minutes moved with intolerable slowness.  I toyed with the idea of leaving; certainly no one would notice.  But I held on to my resolve.  I was determined to stay.

Less than a minute before class was scheduled to begin, in walked a tall brunette, ponytail bouncing, her eyes searching the room.  I smiled, feeling relieved when her eyes met mine, and gestured to the empty spot beside me.  After class, the two of us meandered to the parking lot where we chatted and it was then I learned that she, too, was new to the area and looking for a connection.

A friendship was born that day that became one of the most pivotal relationships in my life.  Within months, we were the closest of friends.  Whenever we chat about the timing of that meeting we continue to be grateful.  It was her that was there to help hold me up as the life I knew started crumbling around me and it was me that was there for her a couple of years later.

So fearless isn’t just about living the big life.  It’s about all the little things that make up the big things.  I’d love to hear about the little things you struggle with and I’d love to hear about the little things you’ve overcome.  Being fearless is a journey that’s easier traveled with friends.  You’ve got those friends here.