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Finding the Courage to Get Started, or Fighting Fear
When I was a kid, I really wanted to learn kickboxing. I would bug my parents to sign me up for classes, but they were sure I would get my teeth kicked in and said no. Eventually I dropped the issue, found other things to get excited about and let the desire fade. Until about six months ago, when a friend told me about Ryer Martial Arts Studio. Not only did they offer kickboxing classes, they gave a free week of trial classes. It seemed too good to be true. What a find, I thought. What a sign!
But when a month went by and I still hadn’t signed up, my friend called me out on it. I was irrational and exploded. Who was he to tell me what I should do? I was busy. I would do it when I had more free time. The offer wasn’t going anywhere. Except I wasn’t all that busy. The truth was, I was terrified. My mind was a swirling mess of anxiety every time I thought about the class. “What if I couldn’t hack it? What if I got tired too fast? What if I wasn’t strong enough? What if… What if... What if…”
After the argument with my friend, I tried to let my mind settle but it kept nagging me. Was he right—was I all just talk? Wasn’t this what I said I wanted? What was I waiting for? It became clear just how powerful—and inhibiting—my fear. It was seriously holding me back. If it was strong enough to keep me from trying a kickboxing class, what else was it preventing me from accomplishing? With a burst of courage, I sent the email and a few days later, was invited to start my free week.
When class day came, I climbed the stairs to the academy with my heart in my throat. I was all too aware that I hadn’t conquered my fear—merely sidestepped it. My hands were clammy and all of the “What Ifs” started up again. But I was determined to stay. I reminded myself that I wanted to be here.
After climbing a second flight of stairs, a spacious studio came into view. On the floor were royal blue mats and black heavy bags hung along the back wall. Friendly chatter and kind faces filled the room. I wiped my hands on my shorts and took a few deep breaths. Several people came over and introduced themselves. My heart steadied slightly and I started to feel a little silly for all the worrying. Someone asked if I was excited and I realized I could honestly say yes.
Before I knew it, I was matched up with a veteran partner, the music began to thump, instructions were called out, and I was suddenly taking my very first kickboxing class. An hour later, as sweat dripped from my nose and darkened my shirt, muscles warm and heart pulsing, it hit me just how happy I was—how proud. Not only had I gotten through class, I had conquered a serious fear. Already I knew something inside of me had shifted. I couldn’t wait to see where it would take me.
It’s true that fear can be an invasive feeling. We are creatures of habit and when we step out of our comfort zone, our bodies naturally respond. But it doesn’t have to hold us back. If we can learn to view it as an opportunity for growth, we will embark on more adventures, accomplish more goals, and step more easily into the unknown. So I challenge you to scan your life for fear... and then take it on. You might change your life in ways you never imagined.
But when a month went by and I still hadn’t signed up, my friend called me out on it. I was irrational and exploded. Who was he to tell me what I should do? I was busy. I would do it when I had more free time. The offer wasn’t going anywhere. Except I wasn’t all that busy. The truth was, I was terrified. My mind was a swirling mess of anxiety every time I thought about the class. “What if I couldn’t hack it? What if I got tired too fast? What if I wasn’t strong enough? What if… What if... What if…”
After the argument with my friend, I tried to let my mind settle but it kept nagging me. Was he right—was I all just talk? Wasn’t this what I said I wanted? What was I waiting for? It became clear just how powerful—and inhibiting—my fear. It was seriously holding me back. If it was strong enough to keep me from trying a kickboxing class, what else was it preventing me from accomplishing? With a burst of courage, I sent the email and a few days later, was invited to start my free week.
When class day came, I climbed the stairs to the academy with my heart in my throat. I was all too aware that I hadn’t conquered my fear—merely sidestepped it. My hands were clammy and all of the “What Ifs” started up again. But I was determined to stay. I reminded myself that I wanted to be here.
After climbing a second flight of stairs, a spacious studio came into view. On the floor were royal blue mats and black heavy bags hung along the back wall. Friendly chatter and kind faces filled the room. I wiped my hands on my shorts and took a few deep breaths. Several people came over and introduced themselves. My heart steadied slightly and I started to feel a little silly for all the worrying. Someone asked if I was excited and I realized I could honestly say yes.
Before I knew it, I was matched up with a veteran partner, the music began to thump, instructions were called out, and I was suddenly taking my very first kickboxing class. An hour later, as sweat dripped from my nose and darkened my shirt, muscles warm and heart pulsing, it hit me just how happy I was—how proud. Not only had I gotten through class, I had conquered a serious fear. Already I knew something inside of me had shifted. I couldn’t wait to see where it would take me.
It’s true that fear can be an invasive feeling. We are creatures of habit and when we step out of our comfort zone, our bodies naturally respond. But it doesn’t have to hold us back. If we can learn to view it as an opportunity for growth, we will embark on more adventures, accomplish more goals, and step more easily into the unknown. So I challenge you to scan your life for fear... and then take it on. You might change your life in ways you never imagined.
