The Best Kind of Scary
Last week I submitted my master coach certification project for approval. The directions for the project are to choose something that is the “best kind of scary,” feels audacious to say out loud, and is “the one thing that will change everything.”
My first thought was "I did this already." When I started Pause and Presence and resigned from my amazing and secure pediatric practice after 18 years, I did the one thing that changed everything.
And then, when I paused and was present with this new invitation, lots of ideas started to flow.
Pause and Presence is literally where dreams are found.
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” - CS Lewis
I ultimately proposed a version of what my husband suggested as the one thing that would change everything. He knows me almost as well as I know myself and he believes in me more than I believe in myself. I am borrowing his belief in me for a bit to give me the courage to jump into the best kind of scary. Borrowing someone else’s belief in you is a super helpful coaching strategy.
We can all choose to do things that are the “best kind of scary.” These things feel like learning to ride a bike or standing up on a surfboard for the first time. They are terrifying and exhilarating. And make you feel very much alive.
As I get ready to embark on this next best kind of scary leap, I am reminded of what helped last time.
As a high achiever, it's best for me to NOT lean into determination and push through the hard. The best approach for me is to aim for flow and do "what love would do."
It’s helpful for me to show up with compassion.
Breathe deeply.
Pause and be present A LOT.
Connect deeply with my authentic self and spirit.
and make heart-centered decisions.
Supporting myself with an abundance of support also helped. Of course, part of the project I proposed includes gifting myself even more support. This time it is the best, most loving, and whole-hearted support available.
If you want to come alive, start truly living, and do things that are amazing but feel scary in a heart-centered way, I am your person. Helping others connect with and follow their dreams has become a new expertise of mine.