Exposed

Have you ever wanted to do something, say something, or perhaps go some where but fear held you back? Maybe you were afraid of what the other person might say or not say for that matter. Maybe you didn't think you could go there, do that, or just say it. Maybe you feared being judged or embarrassed. Maybe you would be rejected.

The director comes to the back where the competitors are and yells "20 minutes!". This means get ready and line up you are about to go on stage. I can hear the crowd clapping and cheering. My mouth is dry, like I just woke up in a hot tent while camping dry, my palms are sweaty, I can feel my heart in my chest. Good grief! What the heck I'm I doing here? We line up. I can feel the nervous energy and excitement pulsating between all of us. I can't keep my feet still! More cheers, whistles...the announcer calls our group out! Holy #$#$$%! Here we go!

This was me last Saturday. Not only was I going to walk out on stage in front of 200 + people, I was also being judged on my body, stage presence, bikini, walk, etc. I had entered The BC Armature Body Building and Fitness Competition - bikini division.

Why did I want to do this? Great question!

To NOT let my fears stop me. To lean into and embrace them, turn my fears into a challenge and something positive. Because I am a shy person by nature and the fact that I don't like being in the "spot" light, standing on stage at a competition where I am exposed in every sense was a huge fear for me. I not only faced my fear of judgement, rejection, embarrassment head on, I also placed third in my division!

What did I learn?

That I have a choice to live an abundant life full of love, adventure and joy. I don't have to play small or live little. Fear is an illusion.

So maybe doing a bikini competition wouldn't scare you but maybe you would be afraid to say "I love you", or say "sorry", or stand up for your self, or make the presentation, or start a new job, or book the trip or put your self first...

Lean into whatever you fear. Just Do it! Just say it! I promise, you will be rewarded in ways that are truly immeasurable.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for taking the time to be a part of my adventure called life!

To your heath and happiness,
Namaste

Andrea

This is one my favorite poems by Marianne Williamson that I thought was fitting for this post. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”