🌼 How fear can actually help you

Hey, hopeful-for-fall Mamas,

I am not going to lie, launching this newsletter was physically uncomfortable.

I wrote it up with great gusto, but as soon as I had to start promoting it…the resistance kicked in. Ughhhh, will anyone care? Who am I to even do this? What happens when everyone ignores me? My stomach hurts.

🎶 Hello, fear of failure, my old frieeeeend. 🎶

Oh yeah, I’m doing my human thing and trying to keep myself safe from rejection. My animal brain knows I need to be accepted by the tribe to stay alive.

When I think of this response as just my lizard brain trying to survive, I suddenly get the energy for the ol’ click and slam. That is, I click “post” and slam the computer shut. Deep breath. Ok, one internal obstacle down.

Then, miracle of miracles, the emails roll in. My friends text me little notes of encouragement. Oh, yeah, all my friends are so nice and supportive. Duhhh.

Then comes the second wave. Omg, what have I done? Can I keep up? Can I actually do this? What if they actually love it?

🎶 Hello, fear of success my old frieeeeend. 🎶

I turn to the fear. You again? I hiss.

Fear smirks and takes a long, dramatic drag on her cig. She’s so annoying. Yeah, I live here, she reminds me, so play nice.

Fine, I say. Would you like to have some tea, old friend Fear? What do you have to say?

When I listen with an open heart, the Fear tells me about myself. She points out how much I really care about this work. She reminds me that I’m blessed enough to have something to lose, that I am growing, that I’m venturing into the unknown, that I am so very human.

The reminders are actually lovely.

Fear brings a lot of energy to the party, so I decide she can stay, but she is not allowed to drive. She is welcome in the backseat.

Ok, so where to now, with fear tenderly tucked into her rightful place?

Just the one right next step.

All I have to do—all you have to do—is the whatever is the one right next step. I don’t have to figure out what’s down the road, only what is at the intersection in front of me. I already know what it is. Today it’s pushing publish.

And you already know what it is too.

So make the call, send the email, push the button, tell them what you need to feel supported. Just do that one right next thing. Fear might be rattling your driver’s seat behind you but she’ll settle down if you treat her with dignity.

You—with your fierce heart and fresh dreams—are the one at the wheel.

Events in Bastrop County this week

For Mamas:

Networking Meetup and potluck hosted by Bastrop County Women in Business. This burgeoning group looks promising! Free. Friday, 6:30-9.

Yoga at the Farm in Elgin hosted by Circle Brewery. $12 for yoga and a pint or $5 for yoga only. Sun at 11 am.

For the whole family:

The monthly LEGO Club at the Bastrop Public Library meets this Tues the 19th at 3pm. Free.

Preschool Story Time at the Bastrop Public Library meets every Wed and Fri. 10:30 a.m. Free.

A mini-Farmer’s market called the Friday Hangout happens at the Country Chick Farms off 304. Fresh eggs, bread, honey and some free beer. This week there is also a seed and plant swap. Free. Fridays from 3-7.

Music in the Park at Fisherman's Park. Some local ladies be sangin’! Bring your picnic and blanket. Free. Friday at 7.

Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt at the Bastrop Museum. $5/adults, kids are free. Daily from 10-4.

If you made it this far, thank you, mighty Mama. This publication will always remain free for readers, but will you show a little love and share with a mama who you love?

Thank you for your support, and see you soon!

Elise