When’s the last time you did something that scared you? Did you feel exhilarated and accomplished once you finished it? It may sound a bit crazy, but I love to do things that scare me. I love the adrenaline rush that it gives me, but even more than that, I love the feeling of proving to myself that I can do these things.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

—Nelson Mandela

I love to book adventurous, adrenaline-pumping activities – especially when traveling. When I’m booking them, I always have so much confidence in myself. Like of course I can jump off that cliff, no problem. The scariest part isn’t even when the time comes, but rather in the lead up and when I let myself think about it too long. I totally psyche myself out.

Let me share my thought process with you:

  1. This (insert adrenaline-inducing activity) sounds great – I love adventurous things!
  2. Great, now that I have this booked, I should watch a video of someone else doing the thing
  3. Wait a minute, what did I just get myself into?
  4. *Mid-activity and following the activity* That was incredible! I don’t know why I ever second-guessed myself!
Care to join me on the tight rope?
Care to join me on the tight rope?

Fear

Many times the things that scare us are based on notions in our head.  Fear is a natural reaction to perceived danger, whether that is jumping out of a plane or hearing a strange noise at night. However, in many instances, the perceived danger may not exist or can be properly mitigated so as to reduce its power. Sure, jumping out of a plane may be terrifying, but there are layers of safety built in, years of experience with the person you’re jumping with and the company through which you booked the experience.

In these types of scenarios, the fear is then something that can be safely overcome, conquered. It’s a way of proving to ourselves that we can have these fears, but they don’t have to control us. We can find ways of overcoming them. When we acclimate ourselves to the stressor, it seems more normal, less frightening. It’s like when you’re a kid and you’re afraid of monsters in the dark, but once you become friends with them, they’re way less scary.

One of the scariest things I did recently was suggesting that my husband and I do a Via Ferrata on our trip to Switzerland. Hanging from the side of the cliff, crossing over metal footholds 2,000 ft. above thin air. It was scary, it was thrilling, and it was exhilarating.

Nepalese bridge in Murren Switzerland
Nepalese bridge in Murren Switzerland

My Scary Moments?

  • Moving to a new city
  • Climbing around the face of a mountain on nothing but steel footholds cemented into the cliff
  • Tightrope walking across a gorge
  • Walking a quarter mile across a Nepalese Bridge high above the tree canopy
  • Cliff jumping off a 50 ft. cliff

Conquering the Fear

At the end of the day, doing things that scare you teaches you – about yourself and about the power that can be found in pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.

So, I challenge you this week. Do something that scares you. Prove to yourself that you can conquer it, then live out that adrenaline rush some. You don’t have to jump out of a plane, but fall in love, take that chance you’ve been considering, share your passion with the world. Maybe you do feel a little more bold – jump out of a plane, quit your job to follow your dreams – whatever it may be – just go for it. Leave me a note below – I’d love to hear about you doing things that scare you!

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