The Squirrel

To overcome a fear, here’s all you have to do: realize the fear is there, and do the action you fear anyway. – Peter McWilliams

On a recent trip up to the mountains, a squirrel darted across the street to the other side of the road. Most squirrels that I’ve seen get halfway across the road and become frozen in fear. And, we all know how that can end up…

But, this squirrel was different. He was brave, fearless, and took action. As he began his journey crossing the road, he may have felt intimidated. After all, it was a large road with several lanes and there were cars coming from both sides. No doubt he’s probably seen this type of journey not turn out so well for other squirrels he’s known. But, he never once paused or looked back. He was on a mission and he accomplished it. And, seeing him get to the other side of the road where tons of beautiful trees and grass awaited him, I felt proud of that squirrel, even though I don’t know him personally.

At my worst, I’m like the many squirrels I’ve seen who get halfway across the road and become frozen in fear. Although I want to move forward, I end up binge watching Netflix or laying in bed singing songs. I’ll come up with a million reasons why I’m not ready to take the step – anything to not have to face the fear.

But at my best, I’m like the squirrel I saw on the trip to the mountains. Even though I may feel fear, I embrace it and take step after step to move forward in the direction of my goal.

When I was so overwhelmed with my corporate job and working more hours than anyone should work, I wanted to make a change, but I was frozen in fear. I imagined my life living in a dimly lit basement somewhere (for some reason in my imagination, I could only barely pay for utilities), feeding my little miniature schnauzer scraps of food, and just barely scraping by. But, then I thought, “Are these really the only options? Do I have to work 80 hours a week or barely exist in someone’s basement?” Ah, fear. If you allow it to rule you, it will take you places that you don’t want to go (like the poor squirrels who experience it in the middle of the road). So, I decided to take a step forward and change my work situation. I didn’t feel the fear any less. I just didn’t let it dictate whether or not I took action.

What about you? Which squirrel are you in this moment? Is there a situation where you might benefit from taking a step forward even though you currently feel fearful? Share by leaving a comment (reading this via email? Click “Read in browser” below).