As a child, I don’t remember being fearful of heights.  But as I’ve gotten older, heights are not my friend. I don’t enjoy being in high places but I’m learning if I can simply not look down and just enjoy the level I’m on, the height is bearable and even enjoyable. 

This reminds me of all the times we begin to look down—when life throws curve balls, when we feel we have failed, when things don’t go the way we think they should. Looking down at the situation rather than enjoying the view and the journey can keep us stuck. 

How many times have we allowed fear to keep us from experiencing something new, enjoying the present moment or looking forward to our future? Fear is paralyzing and roots us in an ongoing cycle of no movement. Facing our fears is necessary to moving forward. This isn’t always easy, but it can be done. 

Every time I force myself to push past the fear of heights and climb up to a high place or ride “dumbo” at Disney world, I’m reminded not to look down. But to look up, out and enjoy the view! 

What fear(s) do you need to face?

How can you overcome the fear?

What can you achieve by conquering this fear?

~Coletta Jones Patterson

Coletta is an author, speaker, life coach and business executive who is passionate about helping others get unstuck. She hosts a weekly beyond stuck podcast and has written seven inspirational books. Connect with Coletta at info@moveu4ward.com.