If Fear Wasn't a Factor, What Would You Choose?

Webster clarifies for us that fear is "an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger." While danger is real, fear is not. As often echoed, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.

On a neurological level, when we are feeling fearful, the hindbrain is sending out the signal that something is amiss, that we must be vigilant, and our guards go up. Anticipation of danger triggers our fight or flight responses to keep us safe, to keep us alive. We need this detection system if we are going to navigate our world. It is when the fire alarm is glaring and there is no evidence of the proverbial smoke or flame, that we find ourselves suffering.

Life has taught me after many years of making choices while holding the hand of fear, that those choices rarely led me to the more favorable outcome. In fact, the choices made with fear often came with regret. In the hopes of "playing it safe," I often found myself so safe, that new opportunities and experiences that could have enriched my life and move me closer to my best self passed me by. We are taught to use our logical mind and rational thought to make decisions, to factor in the pros and cons and weigh our options. Yes! All of that is good. But as we make our considerations, be watchful of the presence of fear easing into the equation. Fear and anxiety cause us to falter in our thought processes and clear thinking gets fuzzy around the edges. If we are not careful, fear can subtly take over our decision making and cause us to make choices that keep us from actual growth.

The quote, "everything we want is on the other side of fear," soon began to resonate with me as I stumbled through my twenties and early thirties. As I shifted and began asking myself a different question: What choice would I make if fear was not a factor?... The answer would always be clear. The choice would always reflect what resonated in my heart, with my goals, purpose and passion. This internal compass was leading me to new levels of joy and new adventures. You could also ask yourself:

What would your life look like if you decided not to prioritize what others think of you?

What would it look like if you decided to make choices with courage?

Or maybe even more powerful, If I were in the last hours of my life, would I regret being too afraid to make the choice I really wanted to make? These answers hold insight as to which direction you might consider going.

There are no guarantees in life. Make choices boldly. Make choices that align with your most authentic self. This guidance is always present, signaling, and patiently encouraging you to take the leap of faith.

Are you facing a decision? If so...If fear was not a factor, what choice would you make?