What if you could master something you now fear?

Sweet and funny (hilarious) memories

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Nelson Mandela

How different could your life be if you conquered (or even mastered) something you now fear?

Our daughter, Anne, was the maid of honor at a dear friend’s wedding. Here she’s shown giving her speech at the reception.

Anne was nervous about that speech for days ahead of time.

Yet, with her speech well-written and well-practiced, she had the wedding reception crowd in the palm of her hand. Laughter and tears flowed freely as she told stories about her long-time friendship with the bride.

And while Anne would not say she conquered her fear of public speaking from just that one speech, she grew strength and confidence through it.

Facing fear, and moving toward and through it gives you courage.

It gives you confidence.

It helps you to be more prepared for the next challenge in your life.

How different could your life be if you mastered something you now fear?

Relish the thought.

Start now.

Give it a try.

Replace fear with curiosity and see what it yields

Whoa there!

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.
James Stephens

Feeling fearful about something overwhelming or unknown?

It may be a project or a goal.

Or it could be a surprising circumstance like the one shown in the photo, a time when I heard hooves running toward me. Surprised and frightened, I could see mountain goats suddenly running my way.

When I realized there was little I could do (I knew I couldn’t outrun them…but I was taller, at least), I grabbed my camera and let my curiosity…and the desire for a good photo…take the lead.

(Cameras are just one of the tools that encourage curiosity, by the way).

While it’s easy to say, try replacing fear with curiosity, even briefly.

You may be surprised at what the change yields.

Curiosity, once engaged, can be a very powerful force.

And you can always return to the fear-driven way, if you miss it. Until then, even briefly, set fear aside.

Relax, and let curiosity guide your way.