Raising Awareness On Fear Creating Freedom (And A Testament To My Little Sister Becoming A Total Baddie)

I have a little sister, and she is the most awesome human being in the world. But as she grows, I see myself in her more than I can ever explain to her, or my mom. It is eerie how many things feel like I relive again through her, but it’s also a blessing to see her do the things she loves and learn along the way how to do things better the next time. I would only imagine that is what it’s like to have tiny humans. Today I noticed something, and it’s something I’d like to share with any other sibling, parent, friend or spouse out there going through the exact same thing with a loved one of your own. Let’s get into it.

Adapting Through Stressful Situations

Becoming comfortable with uncomfortable situations is something that can really suck sometimes. It’s a hard journey to getting there…and knowing when to push your limits or steer left to avoid the cliff is a lesson we all just have to learn the hard way. You may think there’s some cheat code out there, but I promise from challenging yourself in more ways than one as you grow into adulthood, there are just things we have to live through as humans to fully understand them.

Adapting is something that every living being does. Overcoming those adaptations is something that you have to face and learn to do yourself. Stressful situations are sure to arise over the days, weeks or months or years in your lifetime, so why should we continue to shy away from them?

Situations such as these teach us things, not only about ourselves but about those around us as well. They show us people’s true feelings, intentions, colors, whatever you want to label them as. They show us how we act when tough circumstances or decisions come about, and teach us how we can handle them differently in the future scenarios. (As they are sure to come up again someday).

And so, as I sat there debating on whether or not to take on the responsibility that had come up today, I chose to let it go. This is because I typically take the hit as the older sibling when I know something will be hard for my younger brother and sister. I want to let them live freely and have less hard choices than I did at their age. I believe this is feeling of an obligated responsibility is something a lot of older siblings often deal with.

It’s not a bad feeling, it’s just a feeling of, “I don’t want them to have to suffer through this hard situation, so since I’ve already got the experience of doing said thing, I’ll just do it myself and give them the break.” But today, my friend, I chose not to. I stood there contemplating on whether to make the call, but I encouraged her to do so instead.

She didn’t make the call I was hoping for.

Fear Can Be Momentum

You see, every now and then something uncomfy comes around. It puts us in predicaments that we don’t prefer being in and, if there is an easier way out of them, we as humans often will gladly take that route instead. Distress is no fun, and putting yourself in it intentionally may seem rather sideways, but these days, I seek it out.

Whether that stressful situation is a new car ride, a life partner choice, or helping a loved one through something difficult, it’s no easy game to play. And when I was hopeful that she would choose to step up to the plate, she steered the other way and opted out.

Needless to say, I want her to be safe and secure in everything she does. She is a huge part of my life and I love her to pieces. But with any relationship, siblings included, I feel the urge to help her grow those beautiful wings I know are just waiting for the right moment to flutter. I know for a fact she has the confidence in her to do whatever it is she desires in this universe, and encouraging her to do the hard things first is something I’ve tried my best to convey.

Fear is something ingrained in us, it helps us to keep ourselves and our families safe and also keeps us from making silly decisions.

BUT.

It can also hinder us from personal growth and that can have long-term effects, too. Even little things such as driving somewhere you haven’t been, meeting up with someone new for the first time, or wearing a dress that you choose even though your friends don’t like it, can create giant steps in the confidence and curiosity that we can grow into as an individual.

Fear is momentum. Fear is your future. Fear is here to help you move past what is blocking you and propel you into the life you want most.

Fear creates freedom.

Age Doesn’t Matter When It Comes To Personal Growth

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a few new things. I’ve learned that she has been pushing past her driving fears and venturing out into new areas. She’s made new friends, and stayed true to herself with old ones. She’s increased her nutrition knowledge and PR’d so many times I can’t even keep track. She also mentioned how good she was feeling with the new nutrition changes and even crushed an old school record.

I’m in awe. She’s half my age and inspires me every damn day.

Having her in my life makes me realize that anyone can change into who they want to be if they just put their mind to it. They don’t have to be a certain age or from a certain background. They just have to want to do the thing that matters most to them and let fear stop taking the wheel.

You are in control of what your outcome is. You are in control of your own choices, young or old, and you have the ability to change them at anytime you see fit.

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. You’ve got what is fueling your being within you. Only when you let it out and fill it with confidence will you be able to see the beautiful life that can be created because of it.

Thank You For Reading Today’s Post On Fear Creating Freedom

Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to sit with my thoughts, my experiences, and the little reflections that come from watching someone you love with their own personal growth. Until next time.