OMG.  Bali!  

Yes, I leave THIS WEDNESDAY.    {I'm at LAX, waiting to board my plane, RIGHT NOW!!}
Yes, I bought my ticket 6 days ago.  
Yes, I'm starting to get funny looks and questions about how & why I'm traveling so much lately.  

And Yes, I'm scared.  

Am I going to let that stop me? 
NO.  

Because:
A) Fear Monsters are friendly. 

B) I intentionally spent the last 19 years growing and grounding.  Now I'm 37 years old-- kid free, significant-other free, pet free, and have a career that allows the freedom to simultaneously teach, train and travel- world wide.  

I'm extremely grateful.  
I also don't expect this unique set of circumstances to last forever.  So NOW is it.  It's really that simple.  

*****************
Don't get me wrong.  My little Fear Monster has been wreaking havoc lately.  He's that irresistable little critic who sits on the shoulder, whispering sweet nothings of  Woulda Coulda Shouda, Whatif & Buttif.  

Sometimes that little voice sounds awfully big and loud and can get really overwhelming.  
(You know that persistent voice that sounds so wise, but makes you feel like rotten tomatoes?  It's all a big bluff....)

Fear Monsters usually mean well, but wind up preventing us from growth and change.  Change can be scary.  Keeping the status quo seems safe.  It's a familiar pattern in the brain.  

But often, change and growth is necessary.  And Fear Monsters are like little children, who really just need some love, guidance and redirection.  

"Perry the Monster" by Molly Hahn (mollycules)


 Here are some of my favorite TRICKS & TREATS to keep fear at a manageable volume:

2 Tricky Fear Facts: Essential Knowledge for Overcoming Fear:
1. The opposite of Fear is not Courage.  It's Love.   (Which will make you more courageous.  Plus, all love starts with Self Love.) 
2. Know when to Love the Monster -or- Run from t he Bear.
-True Fear is easy to identify because it is caused by REAL, dangerous circumstances.  Like if a Bear is chasing you. 
- False Fear feels a lot like True Fear.  That's why it's tricky.  (In both cases, your sympathetic nervous system- ie. Fight-Flight-Freeze reflex, is triggered.)  But False Fear is actually just your personal Fear Monster running amok.

Treats to Trick Unruly Fear Monsters: 3 Action Steps to Overcome Fear:
1. Identify Your Fear.  Is it True Fear or an unruly Fear Monster? 
(hint: if you're not actually in physical danger it's probably your Fear Monster talking.)

2. Name Your Fear
eg: True Fear= mauled by a bear
eg: False Fear= Gromo (or Bob.  or George.  Or Esperanza.  Or No One Likes Me. Or I Won't Succeed....)

(Turning your fear into a verb or proper noun can make it much more manageable.)

(Gromo is the name of my personal Fear Monster)

3. Give it a Story/Change the Story.
(Remember, YOU are the author & director of your life. If your story starts seeming like a nightmare, YOU are the one with the BEST authority and power to edit and redirect it.)
 
You can take this quite literally and also have fun with it. Personal Example: 

My personal fear monster is named Gromo.  He was raised by two trolls and has a witchy Great Aunt Zelda. He also has a pet dragon, named Dinny.  

Dinny is his best friend, but she breathes fire (and singes Gromo's fur) when Gromo gets too unruly.  

Taking care of Dinny is really great for Gromo, because it gives him Productive Purpose, and helps keep him out of the "woulda-coulda- shoulda-whattiff-butiff" loop.)

3. Shine a light on it. Create Purpose & Redirection
(The monster under the bed is always more scary in the dark.  Grab your flashlight and turn it into a slumber party.) 
  • True Fear = no redirection needed.  RUN FAST, away from the bear.  
  • Fear Monster (False Evidence Appearing Real)=
- Give your friendly fear monster a task, so he stops bugging you and starts playing nice.  
example problem: 
Feeling scared because you're overwhelmed with too much to do?  Too many options?  Not enough options?  Not enough time? 

solution:
Get out of your head and write it down.  Make a list. Draw a picture.  
(Seriously, be a loving parent and don't let the monster rule your brain.)  
Give it a hug and a task and he'll become your friend.   

*******
Recap:
Don't get caught in a monster mine.  Turn on your light and dig yourself out; shine light on the the jewels.  The trolls who guard the gems are really the gatekeepers to your unique, personal treasure.  

Action Step:
1. What's your biggest fear?  Name it.  Identify if it's a monster or bear. 
2.   Tell me about it.  Gromo loves to make new friends.  





******************************************************************
With tricks, treats, monsters and bears,
Wishing you all the best! 
Sincerely,
signature


P.S. I'm going to Bali to study GYROKINESIS LEVEL 2, with Juliu Horvath (creator & founder of the Gyrotonic Expansion System.) 
(He's in his 70's and who knows when or where he'll teach this course again.  Carpe Diem!)

P.P.S.   Read about my weekly Gyrokinesis class here. (classes in SB will resume Dec. or Jan. Stay Tuned....)

  

xoxo
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