Of Course it is Scary, But you Must Be Brave!

          

I was watching Sesame Street with my kids when they were small and there was a little boy who was crying to Grover that he was afraid to get his haircut. Grover said, “Why are you afraid?” and the little boy said, “Because its going to hurt when the barber cuts my hair!” to this Grover replied, “Of course its going to hurt but you must be brave!” We laughed and laughed at this at the time but for some reason I never forgot the message. If it is not scary, then you’re not being brave.

Sometimes hurt is necessary. Sometimes you have to have to feel the growing pains in order to grow.  How ironic that the moments that we fear most in life are the moments that can make us who we are meant to be.

What is scarier to a young woman than the fear of pain in childbirth? What is more rewarding than being handed your baby after you deliver her or him? Fear vanished, pain erased and your left with only love.

Nelson Mandela is credited with this passage but he actually got it from ‘A Course in Miracles’.

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Nelson Mandela

I love that! Don’t play small!! If there is fear replace it with love. Sometimes all you have to do is envision an inspiration. A face of your child, a book you read, a friend or mentor who has been courageous and brave. Take their strength; they want you to have it! If there is still fear then take a deep breath, throw your shoulders back put a smile on your face and you can fake it till you make it. It is 100 percent a choice you make and if you choose love and happiness there is no room for fear.

 Fearless Breathing and Meditation if you have 5 minutes

Close your eyes and take deep breaths. After a few breaths start thinking in your mind as you inhale I am inhaling positive energy and as you exhale you think, I am exhaling negative energy.

Try doing this for 5 to 10 breaths. On the last deep inhale think to yourself, I am inhaling positive energy. And on your last exhalation think, I am exhaling positive energy. If you have time try to sit quietly for a few more breaths. You are ready to face the challenges of whatever life may bring to you with no fear only love. You are courageous and brave; your energy will inspire everyone around you.