EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE: FACING YOUR FEARS TO MOVE FORWARD ON YOUR DREAMS
By Shelley Whizin
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Transformational life coach Shelley Whizin shares advice on how to face one’s fears and embrace the adventure of following your dreams. Watch here on YouTube.
Life, much like scuba diving, is a journey into the depths of the unknown. As we navigate the unpredictable waters, our dreams gleam like treasures hidden in the ocean’s mysterious depths. However, the journey to success is not a leisurely swim; (take it from me) it’s a daring dive into the unknown, where those nagging stones of fear lie beneath the surface.
So, it’s time to grab your flashlight, adjust your oxygen tank, and let’s explore the exhilarating world of facing fears to unlock the door to your dreams. Why not? It’s another realm to discover. I call this, “Soul Diving”, a process that helps us navigate our human experience with as much ease and grace as possible (and a lot of f’n humor!).
Imagine your dreams as a treasure chest resting on the ocean floor, obscured by the shadows of fear. These shadows, like the currents that can catch a diver off guard, whisper doubts and uncertainties in the recesses of your mind. To reach the treasure, you must don your scuba gear, prepare for the dive, and confront the fears that dwell within the underwater cave of your subconscious. You must maintain your sense of well-being and calm, for you don’t want to “lose” it 30 feet under the water. It’s a matter of life and death.
Fear often disguises itself as practicality, steering us toward the familiar, safe path. Yet, breakthroughs and triumphs emerge from the audacity and the courage to dive beyond the well-trodden waters. Consider the inventiveness of Thomas Edison, who faced numerous failures illuminating the world with the light bulb, (It took him 1000 unsuccessful attempts before he created the first light bulb), or the resilience of J.K. Rowling, who overcame rejection before introducing the magic of Harry Potter. Like skilled divers exploring uncharted territories, they embraced uncertainty, faced their fears, and surfaced victorious.
The first step in facing your fears is acknowledging them. Own your part. Take a moment to identify the apprehensions that have been holding you back. Is it the fear of failure, the fear of judgment, or perhaps the fear of the unknown? Much like checking your oxygen levels before a deep-sea dive, (which is crucial in diving) understanding your fears is like turning on a light in the dark depths – it illuminates the path ahead. And remember, light always has its way with darkness.
Now, let’s plunge into the thrill of the unknown. The fear of what lies beyond our comfort zone often prevents us from taking that leap of faith. Yet, it’s in those uncharted waters that we discover the true extent of our capabilities. I remember my nervous anticipation that transformed into exhilaration as I conquered my fear during my first scuba dive. Boy, that was a huge achievement for me! The same principle applies to your dreams. Embrace the adventure, relish the uncertainty, and let the thrill of the unknown propel you forward.
As you navigate through the underwater cave of fears, don’t forget to gather your allies. I call these “friends for life”. Much like diving with a buddy system, surround yourself with a support network that encourages and uplifts you. (In scuba diving, you never, and I mean never, dive alone). Share your dreams with trusted friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and reassurance, holding the space for you to dream with your heart’s desire. Facing fears becomes less daunting when you have a team cheering you on, ready to celebrate each small victory.
It’s crucial to understand that failure is not the end but a vital part of the journey. Failure is a steppingstone, not a stumbling block. Each setback offers valuable lessons that propel you closer to your dreams. So, instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a companion on your quest for success.
Facing your fears is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your courage. Your dreams, hidden beneath the waves of apprehension, are waiting for you. So, grab your flashlight, rally your allies, and embark on the thrilling scuba dive of your life, facing your fears to move forward on your dreams. The treasure is within reach – all you need to do is take that bold plunge into the unknown. Happy diving!
May this year be filled with seeing your dreams coming true each and every day one steppingstone at a time. It’s your life. Enjoy the journey. And remember to bring love into everything you do and lots and lots of humor.
Shelley Whizin is a transformational life coach and the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ (SDI), established to study and teach the art and science of Being Human. She’s also the author of “The Healing Journal”, “The Story of the Magical Baby Grand Piano”, and “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”. More at www.ShelleyWhizin.com
