Fear versus Courage
Have you ever been afraid, felt intimidated, "frozen" and unable to move forward?
Something that created fear in one person may actually inspire competition in another.
As a child, I struggled with physical education class and found excuses to avoid recess at school. My muscle tone was low and therefore, I would avoid those activities and find ways to compete in other areas where I could excel like academics.
Teachers/friends encouraged me to explore sports and other physical activities in which I excelled. Later, I discovered that I enjoyed biking, hiking, golfing, etc. Once I began to excel and have success, my confidence grew and desire for competition increased.
I think back on an experience as an adult that had a big impact on me. At a mountain retreat/camp with an outdoor obstacle course that challenged both competency and confidence, one activity required climbing to a platform 50 feet or higher, being attached to a harness and rope, jumping off the platform and swinging until the momentum stopped.
I remember having a nervous, anxious feeling as I climbed the ladder. However, my friends below cheered me on, "You've got this". "You can do it". I decided I was going to complete this activity, regardless of what I felt. I asked the platform assistant to push me off the ledge, once she had secured the harness, as I didn't think I had the courage to do it. As I swung through the air, I felt exhilarated!! I felt free!! I had overcome fear and stepped into the unknown.
I have had a rewarding career working with children and those who have challenges and special needs. Everyday, I get to witness someone accomplishing something that has seemed impossible before. Supporting them, encouraging them and cheering them on to the Finish Line brings me great joy, yet for them it is a greater achievement, "They are set free from Fear"!!
"When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and stouthearted"
Psalm 138:3
Key Words: Hope, Inspiration and Courage
Something that created fear in one person may actually inspire competition in another.
As a child, I struggled with physical education class and found excuses to avoid recess at school. My muscle tone was low and therefore, I would avoid those activities and find ways to compete in other areas where I could excel like academics.
Teachers/friends encouraged me to explore sports and other physical activities in which I excelled. Later, I discovered that I enjoyed biking, hiking, golfing, etc. Once I began to excel and have success, my confidence grew and desire for competition increased.
I think back on an experience as an adult that had a big impact on me. At a mountain retreat/camp with an outdoor obstacle course that challenged both competency and confidence, one activity required climbing to a platform 50 feet or higher, being attached to a harness and rope, jumping off the platform and swinging until the momentum stopped.
I remember having a nervous, anxious feeling as I climbed the ladder. However, my friends below cheered me on, "You've got this". "You can do it". I decided I was going to complete this activity, regardless of what I felt. I asked the platform assistant to push me off the ledge, once she had secured the harness, as I didn't think I had the courage to do it. As I swung through the air, I felt exhilarated!! I felt free!! I had overcome fear and stepped into the unknown.
I have had a rewarding career working with children and those who have challenges and special needs. Everyday, I get to witness someone accomplishing something that has seemed impossible before. Supporting them, encouraging them and cheering them on to the Finish Line brings me great joy, yet for them it is a greater achievement, "They are set free from Fear"!!
"When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and stouthearted"
Psalm 138:3
Key Words: Hope, Inspiration and Courage
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