LIVE :: Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You

This Eleanor Roosevelt quote has been top of mind lately. It was Marathon Monday – aka the big day of the Boston Marathon – and as I drove to work, listening to radio hosts discussing the day’s events, I started thinking back to the last time I have done something that truly scared me. We’re not talking about the going-in-the-basement-in-the-dark-while-alone type of scared (though sometimes frightening). This is the deep-dish version of scared. The kind of scared that shakes your soul. Motivates you at first thought but makes your stomach turn to think you could fail. Makes you smile but also might cause you to weep a little bit on the inside. It’s that kind of scared when you know that you actually have big enough dreams and goals that to fail would be devastating.

I’m sure the runners taking the course on Monday were a bit scared to embark on a 26.2 journey, especially with the extreme heat conditions. But I’m also sure that when they crossed the finish line there was this amazing sense of accomplishment that can only strengthen one’s spirit and sense of self.

The last time I was really and truly scared was when I moved out to Boston from Phoenix. Without a job. Without a place to live. But with a deep-rooted drive to experience something new and strengthen my being. Sure, it secretly scared the #$%@ out of me (I never really told anyone that), but I learned that when the desire and passion to succeed, overpowers your fear of failure, you can do amazing things.

I’m ready to start following Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice again, and I’m ready to instill a little fear in my life. First up, training for and taking on the Tough Mudder. Here goes nothin’.

Photo :: Courtesy of Rock the Custard Prints