It's Time: Do It Scared!

Leaving for Italy!

Is there something you have always wanted to do? A job you wanted to take or a place you have dreamed to move to? I believe we all have practical dreams, but we often rationalize why they aren't achievable. We are shown fantasies on the big screen, while we have become so settled in what society tells us is realistic.

I have always been a dreamer and truly believe anyone can accomplish their goals and dreams if they are meant to happen. I know that we won't all be millionaires, have beach houses, or be the big-time CEO like our favorite movie character. However, just because life isn't a movie, doesn't mean we can't work towards our dreams and try to do the thing we have always wanted. I think it's a blessing that we can be reminded that our stagnant, unhappy, or confusing season we are in doesn't have to be where we stay if we don't want to.

I know that this sounds idealistic, but I am well aware it's not that easy. Though I tend to see the world through rose-colored glasses, I also have the (fascinating) qualities of being an over-thinker, perfectionist, people-pleaser, control-freak, worrywart, etc. Honestly, you don't need an entire therapy session. The point is - I know how it feels to have big dreams and feel like they are hundreds of miles away or that they are just something fit for my imagination alone. However, once you take that step and follow your dream, beautiful and life-changing things can unfold. That's when I chose to just do it scared!

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What does 'Do It Scared' look like?

When I look back at opportunities and dreams that I have had, there has been so much that's overwhelmed me when making decisions. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy for a month, which is a place I had always wanted to visit. On the outside, it looked perfect: itinerary, going with a group, Italian summer, memories, etc. However, internally it felt far from that: flight anxiety, never traveled without my family, didn't know anyone, my sick Meme, etc. There was so much good and bad flooding my mind when making this decision, but then I thought about the opportunity. I didn't think God would have given me this opportunity to turn it down, but honestly I was scared. It was scary to do something for the first time on my own, somewhere completely new, with so much uncertainty at hand. But, I can truly say it was the best experience of my life. I made memories, friendships, and connections that are so special and shaped a big part of who I am today.

When you are given an opportunity to take a leap into something unknown, you are bound to be scared. There will be thoughts, anxieties, and questions that flood your mind naturally. Trust me, it's so easy to let them win and just do the same old, same old. That's when it's time to just do it scared! Let go of your worries and have faith! I just want to preface, I am not encouraging everyone to quit their jobs and let everything take care of itself; but there are things that of course you can do, you have just let fear hold you back for far too long.

How to 'Do It Scared':

Now that you know what this idea looks like, I want to share with you some ways that helped me accomplish my goals, despite my fears. The first thing is to know you don't have to figure everything out, that's kind of the point of this. There will be parts that feel unachievable and that's okay. Doing something despite your fears, is accepting whatever comes your way knowing you will get through it. What helped me was praying, talking to someone (therapist, family member, or friend), and practicing self affirmations. If you are feeling overwhelmed because you don't know where to go, I suggest starting here!

Another part of this is, that there is no right or wrong way to do this. It's simply just a choice you are making! Therefore, you will probably fail, mess up, and fall down at times. You will also succeed, improve, and achieve too. Our minds are easy to tell us that our dreams are not worth it, or that we are making a mistake, but I find it's important to root myself in what is true. What helped me was reading my Bible, journaling, trying again and introducing positive self-talk.

Lastly, something that I think we all fight in a varying degree is the idea of other's opinions. When you take the next step to do something for you, people like to have opinions. A lot of times we are afraid to face our dreams because we fear what other people will say, maybe because it's not the norm. Something I have always loved in my life is movies/tv. I think it is such a beautiful outlet to connect people together in a universal way, and something I wanted to always do was acting. I will be honest, I was scared about what other people would think - that's silly, that's a waste of time, you will never do anything with that, etc. Then I found a local acting class and thought, why not? It's something I love and it brings me joy, so why not add that to my life. I say this to encourage you, if something brings you joy but you hesitate because of negativity from others, don't let them hold you back anymore.

'Do It Scared' now!

Once I realized that there would be things that get in my way, but there would also be things that got me on track; I knew that in order to do something with all of my fears, concerns, and worries, I just had to start. There will never be the "perfect" time for a change, that is just an excuse! It is always the right time to spark joy in our lives or seek out our callings and I truly believe that!

All of these things are doable and adaptable to you and your dreams! I hope you feel encouraged, but it's also important to know that its okay if you have seasons where you fall back. Where you let your fears, others opinions, or comfort control where you are at. That is completely normal, everything is not supposed to be easy, but I hope this is your reminder that you can change that if you want. It doesn't have to be big or drawn out, it should be specific for you!

I know that this encouraged me to evaluate where I am at with my dreams and held me accountable for what I want; because our dreams matter and I think its time we acted like they do! What is one dream you've always wanted to pursue? Share it in the comments - I'd love to hear your story! Talk to you next week!

Kami