For many of us, the scary things in life aren’t necessarily the big risks we take, like bungee jumping or going whitewater rafting – not that I would ever do either of those things – but the subtler things, like sharing a piece of ourselves with someone else.
It might become especially scary to open up our hearts to others if we think they may judge us or if we fear that they may hurt us in some way.
So perhaps we just withdraw and don’t take that large or small leap of faith. Our friends or loved ones may not even notice the difference. To them you’re just being you.
But what if they wouldn’t judge us? And what if they really wouldn’t hurt us? Would it make a difference to you? Would you jump in and share a bit more of yourself?
And better yet, what if you did share something more of yourself than you’re comfortable with and you were judged? Or hurt? Or even left standing on your own?
Either way, you would have at least risked and opened your heart to another human being, irrespective of the outcome. You would have stretched. That’s really what it’s all about. You.
Seems that often we are so attached to the outcomes – will we be hurt or ridiculed – rather than to seeing what we need to do – take a risk and share more of ourselves, no matter what comes of it. Something or nothing. But at least we had the courage to put ourselves out there.
And let’s be honest…there are times when you’re going to risk yourself and you’re going to get hurt. It might be as simple as getting a smack down. Or you might just be left standing in the dust after giving your whole heart to someone you thought you would love for your whole life. Yeah, that’s gonna hurt. But if you hadn’t given of yourself in the first place, would you be feeling much anyway?
So go ahead…take a risk and leave a piece of yourself behind in the hearts of many. Even if it’s scary. It’s really the only way to give this journey of life great depth and meaning.
What did you do today that scares you? Share your story in the comments below.
Yes!!!! This is exactly what I’m talking about. I am very confident in expressing my ideas to my husband, but I hold back when it comes to others. I am afraid of their judgement.
Perhaps start small with one or two comfortable non-judgmental friends and float a couple of your thoughts…maybe something you don’t feel too passionately about, in the event that they have a different point of view, so you won’t feel skittish. You can do it!!!