13 | January | 2013 | SpilledCookies

Dark forest

I faced another fear today. You see, I used to have a major fear of getting up in front of people. When I was growing up I was forced to sing solo many times in church. I hated that. I have the kind of singing voice that goes well with a duet or choir, but solo’s are not my thing.

I was also in drama growing up which didn’t go that well either. I had some mishaps on stage and most of the time I couldn’t make myself speak loud enough to be heard. Yet, after I had my kids something changed. Suddenly I was “mom” and mom’s can’t cower in corners from monsters under the bed, or spiders on the wall, they have to face fears and protect their children.

When my kids were still little I did a Christmas play, I only had a small speaking part, and just as I was about to get that familiar stage fright, I remembered that I had to speak to classrooms of kids regularly, referee, and protect my kids from bullies so why should I be afraid of saying a few words in front of people?

Still, today was a big step for me. I have felt like I should tell my story to others. After all when you’ve been through so much in life, you should share your experiences, maybe it will help someone else. I have gained some confidence in sharing things on blogs and social media, but that’s not the same as truly putting yourself in front of other people.

Today I shared part of my life’s journey in church. I feel like I did ramble a bit, but over all it went pretty well. When I stepped up I felt the old familiar fear, and all week I almost talked myself out of it, but there was a part of me that refused. I need to face my fears, they are self-made obstacles that have held me back for far too long.

A funny happens when you face fears, they dissipate just like that, they are gone. I was nervous going up to the podium, then suddenly I wasn’t afraid anymore. One fear down, many more to go. One big step forward to what might be a very interesting future.

Take time this year to look at the things that have held you back in your life. Are they real fears or are they self-made obstacles? Take a chance and find out, false fears can’t hold their ground when you stand up to them. Realize that the only limits you have are the one’s you’re placing on yourself. Choose to make this year count!

Cherry Coley (c)