What are you afraid of?

Fear. 

It is such a small word...it's only 4 letters. Yet it can have HUGE impacts on our lives.

I used to let fear run my life. Yes...run it. I was so AFRAID of so much. 

I was afraid of failure. I was afraid of looking stupid. I was afraid of standing out. I was just afraid. 

I look back and just want to smack myself. I mean...seriously. What kind of life does one have being AFRAID of everything? I can tell you...because I lived it. It wasn't very exciting. Or fun. I didn't do too many new things...and I didn't take too many risks. I was kinda sorta... Boring. 

And it didn't change overnight. I didn't miraculously wake up one morning and proclaim that I wasn't afraid anymore. It took a couple years, a few heartbreaking experiences, and a trip around the world to realize how insanely BORED I was! 

Yep - it took traveling to Kuwait for 6 months to really start to grow and change and break out of my comfort zone. I'd been pretty unhappy in my job up to that trip and while I was TERRIFIED of traveling across the world to a completely different culture than I'd ever been in, I was desperate for something different...to get out of the miserable situation I'd found myself in. 

And let me just tell you. That was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself in those 6 months, about what I wanted in life and how I was limiting myself with my fear of everything, and that where I currently was, was not my final destination. When I got home, it only became more clear that I desperately had to make some changes. 

Again, it didn't happen overnight. It was a series of small changes, little baby steps that eventually led me to where I wanted to be. It takes a lot of courage to step outside of what you've known your whole life. It takes a lot of courage to move away from "home" and the safety net of your mom (or parents). But that...well, that was the first step to my growth and getting to where I wanted to be! 

I look back on my journey and realize how much I've grown...how much I've learned. And how every little twist and turn has led me exactly where I am today. And I know my journey isn't over yet. I'm always changing and growing and realizing there is still so much more out there! 

So...I'm here to ask you. What are you afraid of? Because there really isn't anything to fear, except for maybe FEAR itself. Because fear will hold you in the exact same place, day after day, month after month, year after year. And I don't know about you, but I was so tired of being in the Exact. Same. Place. 

Don't be afraid of life, my friends. Because life is MEANT to be lived! With all the twists and turns, with the failures and successes, with the heartbreaks and experiences. That is what will truly shape you and help you grow. Don't be afraid to EXPERIENCE life for all it has to offer! 

Take me for instance, right now. I am in Japan writing this to you. I had never traveled to another country by myself (outside of a work thing) to meet up with a friend I didn't really know that well. Yes, I was afraid to say yes and to make the trip. But I was also afraid of sitting at home and missing out on what could be a once in a lifetime trip. 

Things don't always go as planned, but I can tell you that being here, this experience, is exactly what I needed after a year that has turned my world upside down. I needed a reset button...a fun experience and trip to help me refocus and get back on track. And to continue kicking fear to the curb! 

So what do you say? Are you ready to start making those small changes, taking those baby steps? What can I do to help you on your journey? Because I know it's always easier when you have someone helping you along! 

I hope you all have a beautiful week! Enjoy your journey, don't let FEAR stop you in your tracks, and fully embrace exactly where you are, right now! 

With love and wellness,
​Whitney