Feel the fear

Feel the fear...but push through anyways.

I've been thinking of times in my life when I've been fearful of reaching out and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.  One case from work came to my mind:

I was thinking about starting a school newspaper.  I was afraid.  I was concerned that people would laugh at it.  I was worried that students wouldn't be interested in helping with it.  I didn't know what computer program to use to create a newspaper, so thus, didn't know how we were going to produce and publish it.  All I knew was that I had photos of students that I wanted to share and that I could see many great things happening in and around our school that needed a show case, but I was scared.

In my nervousness, I began asking questions and feeling out the students' opinions.  One young man who is an interesting study in opposites turned out to be my supporter. 

This young man is extremely reserved at school and likes to write long stories but at home he apparently listens to and sings along with "screamo" bands and intense guitar music.  He did feel confident enough at one point to play a song for me and sing along to it when no one else was in the room!  I have to add that in my opinion, it is so terribly awful that all you can do is smile and turn it off quick!  However, there are people who appreciate this style of music so if you want to learn how: click Screamo tutorial  or if you want a quick earful: click Screamo sample

Anyways, this young man happened to believe that a school newspaper was a good idea.  He wasn't interested in writing for it, he didn't want to be involved in publishing or designing it, in fact he might not even have been willing to read it...but he said I should do it.

That was the key for me.  He thought I could.  He believed in me.

How strange that this young person, not fully finished school yet, was the one that encouraged me to feel the fear, push through the challenges and just do it! 

The newspaper has turned out to be quite a success in our school and it is exciting to see just where this idea might take us as we continue to dive in.  And guess what...the fear is gone!

So, just a thank-you to this young man for believing!  Perhaps he too, has felt the fear of reaching out and pushing yourself beyond what you think you can handle, then watching fear dissolve into triumph and excitement!