Stop being afraid
You've got too much to offer the world.
When I was young I was too afraid to step up and be seen. I loved doing drama, I loved singing but I was afraid to put myself in the spotlight so I would shrink back and not go for leading roles.
I remember being invited to a jam session with a composer that was working with us in a writing project when I was at Teachers College but I didn’t go because I was afraid I wouldn’t be good enough.
I looked at audition notes for local theatre groups for years before I got up the guts to sign up for one.
And I look back at these and so many missed opportunities with regret.
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." — T.S. Eliot
I am amazed by the guts shown by the young people in the show I am doing at the moment- they are so much braver than I was and because of that I can see that potential and opportunity for them to thrive in ways that I haven’t been able to until later in my adulthood. I admire their willingness to take risks, to be teachable and step out with confidence. I admire their talent that they have built through commitment and practice.
As I reflect it is hugely apparent that risk taking is something that actually sets us free. When we aren’t caught up in ego, protecting our fragility by avoiding potential failure, we are open to learning. This is when growth emerges. This is where confidence comes from. This is really living life.
The joy I feel at the end of a show after the months of rehearsal is worth the risk. The confidence I feel coming out of this is worth the effort. The buzz from taking a risk and giving it a go makes me feel truly alive. None of it is easy, but damn it is worth it!
Where are you holding back?
What are the things that bring you joy that you are not doing?
What risks are you avoiding because you are afraid?
What might happen if you felt scared and did it anyway?
These are the questions I am asking myself as we come to the end of the show I am currently doing. The cast for the song and dance review ranges in ages from 8 to 89, our youngest and oldest performers inspire me. This is a reminder that there are no excuses good enough to avoid having a go while I am whole and healthy.
It is far too easy to slip into what is comfortable. Comfortable is the antithesis of risk taking. Comfortable makes making excuses easy. Comfortable makes playing small feel right. Comfortable makes risk taking feel too hard.
If our next adventure starts here, what will that look like for you? Will it be writing that book, going on stage, doing that hike, learning that new skill, growing that garden, enjoying a hobby that you haven’t had a go at for a while, climbing that mountain, going to somewhere you haven’t gone before…? What adventure are you open for?
Let’s go!
Another thoughtful and provocative piece from the heart Meg. Stepping out of our comfort zone and taking a risk is often accompanied by a lack of self belief that leads to the 'imposter syndrome'. The way we continue through the adventure that comes with the risk taking shapes how self belief grows as we realise our potential. As you point out, the rewards of risk taking far outweigh the challenges that we need to overcome....and the adventures that follow shape who we become in life. Once we realise the rewards that come with risk taking the opportunities continue to present themselves throughout life....