Fear often arises from the things that we don’t understand. Or, it creeps in when we are in situations in which we cannot predict the outcome.
Uncertain situations.
Fear was designed to keep us safe in situations like being chased by a saber tooth tiger. The problem is that now we don’t have those tigers, but because so much information it’s coming at us every day, minute, second, about how we’re unsafe or not good enough, fear pervades our lives. Chronic states of fear keep our nervous system in a state of fight or flight, which can also lead to anxiety, depression and other health issues.
Hence the problem with basically all of 2020.
Fear is mainly considered to be a negative emotion, but there are situations in which it can be harnessed as motivation to make a change. To make change for the better and propel growth. Covid initiated both kinds of fear in me. I am immunocompromised, so Covid, in general, is a major concern. However, having the extra time being stuck at home along with my regular daily meditation practice gave me the space needed to realize just how unaligned I felt with my current corporate marketing career. After a ton of investigative research, I enrolled in a certification program to become an Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach.
I was so excited!
Then reality set in. The stress of the financial blow, the exhaustion of being on a screen all day every day, the pressure of deliverables in addition to a normal work week. All of these piled on top of each other, initiating various stages of self-doubt, exhaustion, and constant anxiety.
But I kept going. Why?
The intense feeling of need. I didn’t want this certification and career transition, I needed it. Somewhere deep inside of me, it just felt right. Fueled by that, I pushed that wall of fear just enough out of my way that I could squeeze by it. Every day, over and over again. Just like returning to the breath, over and over again.
Fast forward 6 months, and I am about to graduate! Making a career change after ten-ish years in a former identity requires a huge mental shift. Fear rears its ugly head again, every time I start to put myself out there and update my LinkedIn or apply to jobs. Imposter syndrome is on repeat in my head and suddenly chores like washing the windows of the french doors seem to pop up with a fierce urgency.
These are the times I start down the rabbit holes…”maybe I just need xyz class to gain more knowledge,” or ” I’ll feel comfortable after I get more hours of practice” or “I just need to build a website.”
The real answer?
I just need to get the hell out of my own way, I pushed that fear aside before, I just have to remind myself I can do it again through all of these ‘firsts.’
I truly believe that what I’m doing can save lives. I believe that having a health coach to help one focus on prevention can save a ton of money prior to needing reactive medical care. I believe that educating people on the truths about nutrition as well as how to create better habits is essential.
So, step aside, please, fear. You are nothing compared to the fire in my heart, it just took me a long time to realize it.
Are you struggling with breaking down your own limited beliefs, barriers or overcoming fear?
Join the two-hour session of ‘Spiritual Nutrition’ on 12 December, 10am central time zone. I will help you work through those self-imposed blocks to achieve your health and wellness goal.
Leave A Comment