What have you been asked to do and/or try to which you said ‘no’?
I was asked to go rock climbing with some friends.
Let me preface by saying that my only experience with rock climbing was at an indoor facility at the age of 12. That said, I still agreed to tag along as I planned to hang out and watch.
After a short hike, we arrived at the base of a mountain where some of our group was already climbing.
As my friends put their gear on, I found a nice spot to spectate. I was having a great time chatting with others, observing each climber’s technique, and celebrating their victories as they made it to the top. During this encounter, I was asked if I wanted to try. I replied with a “No thanks, I’m good watching.”
But, was I really?
Throughout the evening, I was asked several more times and despite how much encouragement I was given, each time I said no.
But, why did I say no? What was the actual reason? I knew I wanted to try, but something was holding me back.
And, that thing?
Fear.
I was afraid.
But not of heights or the act of climbing itself- I’d actually say being on the edge and a physical challenge is exciting.
So, what was I afraid of then?
I was afraid to put myself in the discomfort of trying something new. Because what if I was awful? What if I made a fool of myself? What if I failed?
In the grand scheme of things, what a minute thing to hold me back because of. But at the time, it was a real fear of mine and I felt incredibly uncomfortable and insecure.
So, what did I do, you ask?
Did I leave as a spectator?
Absolutely not.
I climbed the rock.
See, although my fear of climbing may have been irrational given my reason, my fear of not taking opportunities and experiences was far bigger.
If I let myself walk away from this, I’d be doing myself a disservice. I made a promise to myself a while back that I would not let my fear and anxiety get in the way of me living my life as I had done so many times before.
So, I put on my friend’s gear and with little instruction and lots of encouragement, I began my way up the mountain.
And, guess what?
I did it.
I made it to the top.
I tried something new and not only rocked it (pun not intended but appreciated) but enjoyed it. I met new people, picked up a potential new hobby, and made a new core memory.
And to think I just wanted to watch.
There will be a time when you’re asked to try something new and when that time comes, I hope you try it despite your fears.
You’ll be afraid but do it anyway.
Climb the rock.
Kristie is a travel nurse, adventurer, and truth seeker on all levels. She employs wisdom and perspective that is clear, value-driven, encouraging, and absolutely refreshing. You can find Kristie at any moment with her toes in a lake, her elbows on the family table, or gazing at the wonderous views from the top of a mountain. She is a bright light of our future.