What Do the Signs Say?

Should you turn around or keep going?

Dear Brave Readers,

I confess. Going the wrong way is one of my popular “go to” responses when I’m unsure about taking a chance on me and what I want to do.
Signs are a quick and easy way to doubt my decisions and trick myself into thinking I should listen to warnings that I now know are coming direct from my fear.

That’s exactly what I experienced and share in my book Bravery Becomes You: On the Road to Fearless and Free. The book begins with the joyful amazing YES I said to my son’s invitation to go on a 6 week camping trip. And then? Talk about stop signs! They started the minute I left for the airport to begin my great adventure. Were this series of mishaps telling me something?

First, I forgot my purse. I’ve never done that before. (Yes I went home and got it). Next, I lost my license which meant I couldn’t go through security. That’s never happened before. After sitting on the floor of the airport, crying and going through my bag, I finally found it (at the ticket counter). And then there was almost getting on the wrong plane, even though they had scanned my ticket. Were these signs not to go?
No.

But what I discovered? When things go wrong you don’t have to stop. Sometimes things don’t work out. That’s it. What became clear that morning is that obstacles are everywhere. And I’m often the one scaring myself by my own interpretation of what’s happening. I’m creating the obstacles. I’m what’s holding me back. And I don’t need to do that.
Understanding fear is essential to changing signs from NO (stop) to YES (go).
So what’s going on? Fear is getting in the way. And fear is tricky. There are many ways it shows up.
There are internal fears that come from doubts and worries. Maybe you made the wrong choice? Maybe there’s a better way? Maybe you shouldn’t be taking a risk? Maybe you’re not ready?

Question what stops you!

Next time a sign shows up, ask yourself…
What does this sign really mean to me? Is it important?
Is this sign pushing me back into my comfort zone? And do I want to go there?
Do I have someone I can ask for a different perspective?
Am I overthinking what’s happening?
Am I allowing fear or self-doubt get in the way of my own inner intelligence?
Do I really want to turn around and stop?

One more thing…there are some signs worth listening to. Danger is one reason. And sometimes you know that it’s time to turn around and stop. When that happens, you’re listening to your intuition and that’s the voice that knows what’s best for you. The difference? Bravery is speaking, not fear.
Consider now. What do you want to do? What signs could stop you? Will you let that happen?
Remember that pushing past all the things that stop you feels great.

Because nothing feels better than being brave.

Until next time,

Your Coach and Travel Guide,

Sandy