I’m telling myself a story about fear. I’ve begun to allow myself to dream big. To do more with my time and my talents than what I’m already doing. I’ve begun to take steps in a new direction. Without really defining any concrete goals…yet. But I’m not afraid anymore. Not as afraid. I’m not afraid to fail. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, say what I mean and make mistakes. I’m not afraid to hurt your feelings. Not afraid enough to hold back. Because I’m coming at you with all the love in my heart.

The thing is, I can’t realize all my dreams alone. And as much as I love my contacts, connections and community, I am noticing a lot of fear out there.

I wish that I could do more to bring people over the threshold of fear. I’d love for them to stand on the other side with me and see all the opportunities here. But I can’t lead people where they don’t want to go. I can’t force someone to rumble with fears they’re not ready to name.

So my intention is to sit here with these feelings for a minute. To remember what it felt like to be afraid and unsure. I want to play and run with purpose. I need to keep focused on that. And I can continue to communicate intentionally and openly, to extend the invitation to embrace fear and find courage to those willing to step into the muck of it, encouraging them to trust that it WILL pay off. At the same time, I can run my own race, surrounding myself with more of the people who are where I want to be, not only the ones hanging around the places I’ve left (am continuing to choose to leave) behind.