Why You Must Do What Scares You

I haven't been here, to write, because nothing much seems to be on my mind worth writing about. Then again, I think it's just that what I've been focusing on lately strikes me as personal matters, nothing that others would be interested in reading. However, I'm committed to sharing my truths and as they say, and I agree, we are one. What matters to me matters to somebody else. And so, I'll share whatever Spirit gives me, even as my fingers make contact with the keys on my laptop.

I'm feeling quite good these days because I can see evidence of a change in my thinking about myself and life. Although I've achieved some dreams like becoming a lawyer and writing a book, I could see how still I permit self-doubt to rob me of greater success. Obstacles that appear to be out there and very real are internal. I'm reminded of the saying, "what lies before me and what lies behind me are nothing compared to what lies within me."

What keeps us from living the life of our dreams? F.E.A.R. False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. We fear we're not smart enough. Good enough. Young enough. Educated enough. Articulate enough. Organized enough. Worthy. Thin enough. Pretty enough. Ready. The "right" race or gender. And did I mention not good enough? We let self-doubt, fear, have the last say. So we don't do the very things that will inevitably lead us to the enchanted life we pine for.

Last week Devon Blackwood, the host of Lift Your Voice Radio Show, invited me to join him in the studio as a guest slash cohost. The topic: Race relations for the first half hour. Then bullying, if time permits. I've done radio before. Loved it, too. However, the topic usually had something to do with love and relationships. Topics that get my juices flowing. Well, I was due in court with a client that day, an afternoon case. In Catonsville. Near the Woodlawn studio. I wanted to be on the show but I was scared. I've never publicly shared what I think about race relations. But hadn't I declared earlier this year that I would do radio at least twice a month? I only neglected to tell the Universe what topics I wanted to discuss. Which, by the way, turns out to be a good thing. I get to s-t-r-e-t-c-h myself.

I prepared. I so love the Internet. At my fingertips was Dr. King's Letter from Birmingham Jail and everything I've ever wanted to know about bullying in schools. Did you know that studies conclude that bullies DON'T have low self-esteem? Puhlease! Anyway, I got out of court at 3, the show goes on at 3:30. Both nervous and excited, I drove to the studio.

I did what scared me...and had a ball doing it. I knew from experience that once I did what frightens me I would grow in confidence and that that confidence translates into greater success. It becomes a stepping stone. When we don't do the things that terrify us, self-doubt wins. Then self-doubt, rather than belief in self, grows.

Yesterday I was invited to come or call into the show to discuss women and incarceration. Once again, I had the jitters. So what though. I forged ahead and added value to the discussion. I've been invited to do two more shows, on domestic violence. Or as I call it, domestic silence because we talk so little about intimate partner abuse. Had I not pushed through my fear and done last week's show I doubt that I would have been invited to do more shows.

Some things must happen before other things can happen. A case in point. I met the host of Lift Your Voice at an Ethics training I facilitated. He was one of the participants. I was scared when I did THAT training...but did it anyway. Who would have thought that would lead to my being on the radio? Not I. To paraphrase Dr. King, trust yourself and God enough to take the step in front of you...because God never shows us the entire staircase.

So I ask you, what might you do, or begin, today that scares you? Know this, the Universe supports you.

Tune in to Lift Your Voice radio show, Thursday, February 3 & 10, 3:30 to 4:30 pm on 1010 WOLB AM or www.wolbbaltimore.com Topic: Domestic Violence