It seems a serendipitous discovery, as I am currently making a bold move and finally facing my fear. Instead of "playing it safe," I've opted to take a buyout from my longtime employer and take myself out into the big beautiful world and find a new job.
For years I've lived with the fear of being laid off, and when faced with the decision recently of whether to stay or go, I was frozen with fear. I came to the freeing conclusion that living a life ruled by fear is no way to live. To be sure, there have been moments during this process when I have felt more fearful than fearless. But having taken my future into my own hands, I now feel strangely empowered.
While searching for answers and inspiration recently, I saw a quote that resonated with me:
Leap, and the net will appear.
Along the way, I'm spending time doing the things I love: writing, painting, reading. I'm filling my life with beauty and art, and filling my mind with positive material (uplifting podcasts and books). I'm taking time to smell the roses — or tulips — while I endeavor to paint them.
Here's to leaping and finding the best that life has to offer. May our respective searches prove fruitful. I, for one, am feeling confident.
UPDATE: As I prepare to publish this post, I'm excited to announce that during my one-month sabbatical from the work world, I got a new job. On March 7th, I began a new journey with a local nonprofit that is dedicated to work I am passionate about. It looks like I found my net.
What about you? Is there something you've been afraid to do? Have you taken steps to overcome a fear? How are you feeling about it? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.