Empowering Yourself

Moving From Fear To Action

Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

Three years ago, I wrote the article Losing Confidence - it was about beginning life as a single woman after the death of my husband. What surprised me was the loss of self-confidence. Along with everything else, rebuilding it has been essential, and I am experimenting with a new approach.

About a year ago, I read about everyday courage. The author said

Have you ever thought of courage in the context of your everyday life? I know it seems strange because how we traditionally think of courage doesn’t seem as if it would apply to our daily goings-on. And yet, parenting, chronic pain, marriage, being ‘gobsmacked’ by illness, grief, showing up to a running class for the first time.

It’s not about heroes or heroism but about facing one’s fears and being brave in the face of adversity - having the guts to stand up for what you believe in even when it may not be popular or when others judge you.

The author’s words triggered my thinking. Maybe - just maybe.

• If courage is facing my fears and taking action anyway

• If confidence is the belief that I can do the tasks at hand

• Then, each time I face my everyday fears and do them anyway, it will lead to self-confidence

• Thereby rebuilding my self-confidence and trust

That could be a key to aging well. What do you think?

Because, as Dr. Ken Druck, author of the book Courageous Aging, wrote.

Aging takes courage - for sure. Our bodies don’t work as they did, and health issues raise ugly heads. We can’t do everything we want to. There are numerous losses - of loved ones, hopes and dreams, beliefs and habits, and the world as we knew it.

To live our best lives, we must put our houses in order, and I’m not talking about wills, trusts, or living to 105. I’m referring to coming of age emotionally, spiritually, and in our closest relationships.

This means facing and overcoming, rather than avoiding, fears about getting older, compassionately greeting our older selves, carving out action plans for our best possible future, and making peace with life itself.

The Daring to Color Outside the Lines article says

Taking creative risks can be scary. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and facing uncertainty head-on. But it's in these moments of discomfort that growth occurs. By daring to color outside the lines, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities.

With that in mind, I’m preparing to age well using everyday courage and gently expanding that comfort zone.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

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