I have been the one to avoid being that person in the front. I hate making huge decisions. I don't like to disappoint, humiliate myself, make a mistake, most of all - I don't like to be vulnerable. Being in the front requires you to gamble on all of these reasons why anyone shouldn't be in the front! The issue is, someone always has to be there, not matter what. You won't move unless someone is there. So now the questions is, who is going to pick the short straw?
Throughout the past six months I have bumped into situations that required me to make incredibly hard decisions. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and tested to see what I was really made of. I was living out of a suitcase for 6 months. --Yeah, that's right. 6 Months--
I went from Colorado, to Michigan, to Oregon, back to southern Colorado, then Minnesota. From there I went to beautiful Europe. From there bounced around in Frankfurt, Venice, San Lorenzo, Rome, Florence, Sorrento, Gryon(pronounce Gree-own) in Switzerland, and then to top it off, my last stop was Brussels in Belgium.
Most fun I have ever had in 6 months. Also - most terrifying.
Here are just a few shots of my journey. (Emphasize "a few")
Throughout the journey of the last 6 months, I hate to admit it but - I was the person in the front. I had to be! There was a catch to this though, there was no one following. That is why I was the front runner. I was pushed out of my boundaries, my comfort zones, my 'happy place' because I HAD NO CHOICE! Awful right?
It wasn't so bad.
I learned more than I ever could have dreamed. Speaking of dreams, they became BIGGER. When you breathe in Italian air or taste the sweet twisted sting of a glass of Italian Vino, something in you changes. It's like your mind says "You did it. You made it here. You can do anything if you believe you can do it." Cliché but go with it.
Haven't you ever had that moment of "Holy crap I just did that!" or "I didn't know I was capable of doing something like that!" - yeah! That is you stepping into the "person in the front" position without even realizing.
Conquering your fears....Is. The. Best. Feeling.
I am still working on taking that first step without a push, but these last 6 months have shown me I do have that courage. It has shown me that I sell myself short. I underestimate what I am truly capable of.
Don't be like me.
Don't limit yourself because you are scared - know who you are and be proud. Know that you are gifted and are capable of conquering any fear! Believe that you are capable.
Today, let's conquer one fear. One road block. I will do it.
Alright - it's the moment of truth.
Here I go....(God, hold my hand. Please.)
