I’ve heard it said that courage is not the absence of fear.
I had the day all to myself. I wanted to go to the beach, but I also had work to do, so I needed to find a lunch spot and maybe a coffee shop with Wi-Fi. Right before I left, someone asked, “You’re going alone?”
That’s when Fear arrived.
He stayed close, reminding me that I was in a big city I had never visited before. He tapped me on the shoulder as I arranged for a shuttle and whispered questions about whether this was really a good idea. Even so, I took each step one at a time.
After several virtual meetings, some amazing fish tacos, and a stroll on the beach, I smiled to myself. Stepping outside my comfort zone had given me an amazing experience I would have missed if I had listened to Fear.
The next day, I had an opportunity to kayak in the open ocean for the first time. Fear climbed into the kayak with me. His eerie voice reminded me that while I’m a decent swimmer, ocean currents are different. As I put on my helmet and life jacket, he pointed to the waves crashing against the rocks and the swelling tide inside the cave we explored.
When it was all over and the waves carried us safely back to shore, we looked like pros. What an experience. Fear had ridden with me the whole way, but he couldn’t steal the joy or sense of accomplishment.
I have gone on many adventures, so maybe people see me as brave. What I know to be true is that I am equally afraid. When I’ve jumped into a blue hole at the bottom of a waterfall, Fear was there. As I traveled to countries down under, Fear came along too. Every adventure required the smae thing: taking the next step.
I’ve also learned that courage often come easier when I’m with people who matter most. Knowing someone has my back helps me take the next step. Trusting that someone cares enough to watch out for me gives me confidence.
Maybe that’s another truth about courage. Fear may come along for the ride, but so can love, friendship and faith. And when they do, the advertures of life become sweeter.