Fear Loosens Its Grip

And sometimes, honestly, a little scary.

If I weren’t afraid, where would I go?
What would I do?

I know this feeling.
You do too.

As you read one of my stories about taking a first scary step, I’d love for you to think about one of yours. Keep it simple. I’m genuinely curious. Ironically, if it feels too scary to write about, that might be the story.

So why am I writing this today?
Because I recently watched a dear friend stand in that moment of hesitation that comes with not knowing. Fear. It reminded me of my own first experiences learning to rock climb years ago while living in Germany.

The first time I climbed a gym wall with an auto-belay, I was terrified of the moment when you’re supposed to just… let go. Trust the system. Step back into nothing and believe it will catch you.

Instead of committing, I clung to the wall too long. My fear turned into an awkward, slow fall, bumping into the very holds I had just climbed.

Today, no one would guess I ever hesitated. I climb, tap the top, and kick off into thin air. Beginnings fade once skill and confidence take over. Fear loosens its grip.

I could name others.
The first time I clipped into bike pedals.
Skied down a hill.
Turned in my first college paper.

Fear has a way of getting lost in the mind over time.

I’d love to hear one of your moments.
When you stood at the edge of ____________.
And stepped anyway.