The March of a Dreamer: You’ll Never Be Free of Fear

by Tess

kids swing

I really don’t remember being a fearful kid. I grew up on a farm and had a working childhood. As one of 10 children, I was too busy trying to survive, get my share or get noticed. Nothing really scared me. I learned how to be tough. 

It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties and married with children that I became afraid. 

When I was afraid my children would grow up to be smokers, I decided to quit smoking and become a runner

When I was afraid my kids would get into trouble, I involved them in sports and other activities. 

When I was afraid of being a bad mother, I read parenting books and attended parenting classes. 

When I was afraid my children were smothering me, I signed up for art classes and joined a softball team. 

When I was afraid we didn’t have enough money, I worked my butt off and started my own flower business. 

When I was afraid I was failing in my marriage, I took responsibility, hired a counselor, and changed. 

When I was afraid I wasn’t smart enough to attend college, I signed up for “How to Study and Speed Reading.”  

When I was afraid I wouldn’t earn enough money, I got my master’s degree in counseling psychology. 

When I was afraid I’d always be working for somebody else, I started my private practice. 

When I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough clients or money, I wrote a book. 

When I was afraid I wouldn’t sell my books, I became a professional speaker. 

When I was afraid my grandchildren wouldn’t know me, I scheduled regular play time, I helped with their school projects and invited them to go on vacation with us. 

When I was afraid I’d be stuck in cold weather for the rest of my life, I moved to the Southwest even though my license to practice psychology wouldn’t be valid. 

When I was afraid I’d never be technical-savvy, I started a blog. 

When I was afraid I’d never make money, I wrote e-books, created e-courses and started working as a courage coach. 

Now I’m afraid of growing old. To counteract my fear I eat healthy, continue to run and laughter and fun are part of my daily routine. 

I understand that anything can happen. But I believe the Universe has my back and I’ve trained myself to believe the best is yet to come. 

We’ll always have fear. The best way to overcome your fear is to make a plan and take action. That’s what I’ve done and will always do.

I encourage you to look at your own life and your past fears. You’ll be surprised at how many you’ve overcome. You’ll be encouraged to keep marching toward your dreams and to make the rest of your life the best of your life as well.

What action did you take to overcome a fear in the past? 

Please help me spread the love on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Credit: Ernst Vikne

Photo credit: Ernst Vikne, Flickr

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Leah August 5, 2013 at 7:41 am

Each day fear comes knocking, trying to push me into the future with its threats and expectations. I’m learning to be, and breathe, and see—the more I let go the more freedom from fear I experience.

Ten kids! Wow!

Reply

Tess August 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

Leah,
Sounds like you’re doing great! It’s something we can all remember…to breathe and be aware. Thanks for stopping by. Yes 10 kids is a wow!

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Betsy/Zen Mama August 5, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Tess,
I just always love how you change the negative (fear) into so many positive experiences! Thank you for this inspiration!!
xoxo
Betsy
Betsy/Zen Mama´s last post…Do You Think Above the Line Or Below?

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Tess August 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

Betsy,
You’re welcome! Thanks for you support and friendship. xo

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Cathy Taughinbaugh August 8, 2013 at 8:14 am

Hi Tess,

Always great advice. Fear is everywhere, but it is how we manage it that counts. You are such a wonderful example of how to march forward and walk through your fear!

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Elle August 9, 2013 at 2:54 pm

This is such a great post Tess. Love the way you found a way to turn each fear into something wonderful. You are brilliant kiddo, just brilliant.

e-hugs

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Suzy August 21, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Thank you for writing this. I too have learned to live life around my fears and like you they didn’t appear until after I was in my 20s and had become a mother. These days I find that the more I acknowledge my fear and face it, the less it stands in my way.

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Izzy September 3, 2013 at 1:45 am

Hi Tess :) .

This is such an awesome article. To me, one thing sticks out above all else. Whenever you have fears you take action! But even more important you identify that fear.

It’s inspiring to read. It’s like a really simple yet awesome formula :) . Identify the fear, develop the plan, then execute.

Just awesome.

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