When was the last time you did something incredibly brave? When your heart raced and knees trembled, yet you summoned the courage to push past your fears. Whether it's standing up for yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone or tackling a new challenge, the badass within you is always there. It might be quieter at times and louder others, but SHE never leaves. You always have the power to embrace your inner courage and sometimes even surprise yourself by how awesome you are.
A few years ago, I embarked on an epic journey that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I drove solo across the United States for nearly five months. I ventured into the wilderness, hiked alone in the dark, slept in national parks and encountered wild animals, including a rattlesnake. I cooked over campfires, battled windstorms while pitching a tent and even woke up to a frosty morning with 29 degree temps. It was exhilarating, occasionally lonely and challenging. Ultimately though, it transformed my life. I sometimes remember this trip and honestly can't believe I really did it! That I had all these moments of bravery and inner strength. When I get scared now I remind myself this, and let myself be inspired by my perseverance during the trip. That woman is always in me, even when I'm feeling weak. She never leaves.
I share this because we all possess sources of courage within us. Recently I had a conversation with a friend about my insecurities, around dating of all things. How I found putting myself out there (for possible rejection) and meeting new people uncomfortable. All of the confidence I have in the other areas of my life just gets zapped from inside me with certain things. Why is that? I'm still the same Amy...
There is a profound connection between courage and confidence. To become confident, we must first be courageous. Courage is something we choose. Confidence is something we earn. Confidence is built in us through everyday acts of courage. We have to step out of our comfort zones, confront our fears and put ourselves out there. This could be for any number of areas in life - they all start the same. Being brave and beginning.
To confront your own fears and feel the badass that you are, try some of my favorite techniques.
Get Excited: Instead of dwelling on nervousness, reframe it as excitement. This simple shift in mindset can be transformative. Feel the excitement in your body—smile, laugh, embrace those delightful butterflies in your belly, even jump up and down if it helps. I will often happily giggle to myself when I'm doing something new and get a little anxious. The powerful mind-body connection can turn anxiety into hopeful anticipation.
Get Inspired: Take a moment to think about all the incredible women in your life who are constantly doing remarkable things. Of all the brave women who have gone before you. Their courage and determination serve as inspiration. Rather than compare yourself with them, know everyone is different. Then draw strength from their stories and accomplishments. Allow them to remind you of your own potential.
Get Moving: Stop overthinking and dive into the unknown. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect, and you're allowed to make mistakes and change your mind. What's essential is that you try, even when fear threatens to hold you back. Take that leap of faith, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Ask yourself, "What's the best that could happen?"
Sometimes it takes reflection, time and weighing the pros versus cons. Yet sometimes you need to give yourself a pep talk: "Hello, you are a badass. Keep your chin up. You are doing amazing." and get going. Embrace your inner courage and let the confidence that comes with it grow. Remember bravery is not the absence of fear but being afraid and doing something anyway. Because you know you can. You have the courage in you and the power to conquer anything that comes your way.
