In order to move forward in life, we need to be willing to take risks. Although this seems simple in theory, it can become quite complicated when we are confronted with the fear of the unknown that comes with taking risks.
As we make changes in our lives, there are unknown consequences that come with the choices that we make. Sometimes we can allow the fear of the unknown consequences to paralyze us, leaving us feeling stuck and stressed.
We might say that we are not sure what to do to excuse us from making a decision and moving forward. The reality is that our intuition is telling us that we need to make a change yet we are afraid to act on it based on our fear of the unknown.
There is no clear map for that leg of our journey so we fear taking the next step. Our imagination conjures up all kinds of terrible outcomes, monsters of failure or rejection in our imagination. What we fail to realize is that if we make a choice that has less than positive consequences, we are always free to make another choice, to take another route. We don’t have to stay stuck.
Even if our choice doesn’t have the best outcome, it is better that staying stuck. Are you experiencing fear and trepidation in decisions that need to be made to move you forward in your life?
Do you feel stuck or paralyzed by the fear of making a wrong choice or of failing? Know that there is no such thing as a wrong choice or failure because every choice we make, every consequence is a learning opportunity and allows for growth. If you look at it as an opportunity, then you can’t possibly fail or make a wrong choice because no matter what, you will experience personal growth.
Take a risk this week and experience the growth and empowerment that comes from confronting your fears and stepping into the unknown, unmapped territory. Who knows what treasures you might find there?
When mapmakers of old were faced with charting an unknown area, one that had proved unreachable, the temptation was to fabricate, to look into the imagination. They would depict the areas as being inhabited by fearsome, man-devouring monsters, especially in the far reaches of the sea. Master Esbjorn found the practice antiquated and unacceptable. He believed that if the truth was not known, the paper should be left blank. –Edith Pattou, from her book East
Namaste,
Annette
