Fear Not

FEAR NOT, a bracelet I received from completing level 2 Baptiste Power Vinyasa Teacher Training.   What does it mean?  To me it reminds me to face my fears, whether it’s riding that big dipper roller coaster, confronting a friend, or how about a not so obvious fear like fear of success?  Yes, fear of being successful.  Do you know how many people are afraid of being successful?  Here’s the test:

1.  Do you think you are not worthy or deserving of reaching such an accomplishment even if you did?

2.  Do you think “it’s still not good enough” after achieving something?

3.  Do you think you’ll still be unhappy after accomplishing that “big” thing?

4.  Do you think if you achieved this thing this time, you’ll set too high of a bar for next time and you think you won’t be able to do it again?

5.  Do you think being recognized for your accomplishments is a waste of time?  Or does recognition make you feel uncomfortable?

6.  Do you think people won’t like you anymore after you become successful (you know envy is such a bummer)?

7.  Do you think after you’ve achieved your goals that you won’t grow anymore and you’ll become even more bored?

8.  Do you feel guilty when people help you become successful?

9.  Do you think for every success you win, you’ll be doomed with double the failure because you think a good luck streak just doesn’t run forever?

10.  Do you think when you accomplish something it’s because ‘you’re lucky?’

Chances are you probably answered ‘yes’ to at least one of the questions above.   Honestly, I said YES to all of those at one point.  Even some days I doubt my abilities.  I have many dreams that I am working on making come true, but along the way my progress gets hindered because of all the “what ifs” and what if I did make my dreams come true?  What would it be like then?  How will I be then?  Will I still continue to grow?  Isn’t it very ironic how anyone would be scared of success.  I have good news!  You’re not the only one who secretly feels like this from time to time.  It’s a sad thing but definitely a reality that “we” shine more light on our failures and down falls rather than celebrate our accomplishments… celebrate “US” just the way we are.   So it’s a wonder that we blush a little when someone gives us an honest praise or we have the need to feel guilty about our success because everyone else seems to be suffering and failing.  We don’t want to boast our own accomplishments and make the other person feel worse.

So how to overcome this?

Accept yourself.  Give others credit.  Honestly praise others for their success and celebrate their victory without a drop of envy or judgement for your lack of [fill in the blank].  Give yourself permission to shine.  Give others permission to celebrate you and your victory.  Commit to your goals and be present for them 110%.  Allow room for adjusting if current commitments aren’t working.  Committing 110% doesn’t mean you don’t have to stay married to them.  And of course, just allow, allow, allow… Allow your heart to open.  Allow your mind to open.  Allow your eyes to open.  FEAR NOT

On a side note: Are you afraid of entering the photo contest cause you’re afraid of having a little fun?  Are you afraid people might think you’re weird while posing in the middle of a intersection?  Are you afraid of winning because you’ve never won anything before?  Are you afraid to tell your friends about it cause you’re afraid they’re gonna win?  Are you afraid of posting a comment because you think you won’t have anything ‘cool’ to say and you’re afraid that the surprise raffle is not gonna be worth it?  I know you’re reading.  I see the blog stats LOL.   Hmmmmm…. apply one more thing:  Tell yourself you deserve to win! You’ll have something awesome to say, even if it’s “I agree.” You are gorgeous and you will look gorgeous in that pose.  It is a little risky.  You will be risking a little success and fun for a great cause… in the name of YOGA!  Now get to posing!  I want you to win!  It’s cool stuff.  I promise.

Don’t know what the heck contest I’m talking about?  Read HERE

One of my favorites from Michael Franti:

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