Good Wednesday morning. I have so much on the subject of faith or fear. But have wanted to have a guest post from a good friend and fellow coach who also helps with change in life. Please enjoy a great story from a great coach Janet Tingwald.
I have a passion for people to understand the emotional process that accompanies changes in our lives. I want to give you the knowledge of a process that will help you move through transitions in your life with ease and less pain. I want to help you to understand why you’re stuck, and the process to get moving. So this blog maybe a little longer than is recommended, but I hope it will prove valuable.
Ten years ago I was on a mission to change my life. While at one of my classes for my coaching certification, they were telling us about a year-long leadership course the school offered. They said to me, “If you don’t want your life to change, don’t go.” I was hooked. As I prepared to attend the first week of the course I thought about what I wanted out of this experience. What did I want to learn? I decided I wanted to be put in a position that would make me walk through my fears. Well, be careful what you ask for!
One of the many exercises we did that first week was a high ropes course. Did I mention that I’m afraid of heights? There was a feeling of fear but this wasn’t the kind of fear I was thinking of having to conquer! As we prepared for this exercise, the instructor gave us the safety instructions and talked us through how the exercise was completed. It was called “The Lion’s Leap.” Using the staples in the trunk, we were to climb approximately 25 feet up this redwood tree, to what appeared to be a good sized platform with a 2×4 sticking out from the front. In front if that was a trapeze bar swinging freely. The goal was to climb up the tree, get up on the platform and walk out on the 2×4 and jump to the trapeze bar. (Did I mention my fear of heights?)
When he asked for the first volunteer I stepped back and decided to watch a few others go first. I watched as several people went up the tree, out on the board and jumped. Seems like no big deal, right? So, I mustered up my courage and decided it was time for me to take my turn. I hooked onto the safety rope and started my climb up the tree, piece of cake! I got to the platform, which now appeared to be very small, and hoisted myself up on the platform. My body immediately forgot I was in a safety harness, forgot everything I had watched the people do that went before me. I was frozen with fear! I knelt on the platform for what seemed like an eternity. The instructor on the ground eventually convinced me that it was okay to open my eyes, and then to stand. So I’m now standing on this small platform 25 feet up in this redwood tree hanging on to one of the staples in the tree meant for hand holds. With encouragement from the group on the ground, I inched forward on the platform, while still holding on to the staple in the tree. I soon came to a point that I couldn’t go any further without letting go of the tree.
LIGHT BULB! I COULDN’T GO ANY FURTHER WITHOUT LETTING GO! At that moment so many situations in my life came rushing at me…and I realized, I wasn’t afraid to jump, I was afraid to let go, afraid of the unknown that changes in life bring, afraid I would fail!
The rest of the story? Yes, I completed the exercise; yes, I got the chance to face a fear and walk through it. And, I learned a life lesson I have never forgotten. When I’m stuck or think I’m scared, I ask myself: “What are you hanging on to? What’s the tree this time?”
I encourage you to look at what’s going on in your life. What are the fears, beliefs, grudges, or grief that you are hanging on to and that keep you from moving forward in your life? What’s your tree? Maybe it’s time to let go and jump!
Janet Tingwald
I have been a fan of Janet and her company, School of Life, in Windsor Heights, IA. You can check out the programs she offers about change as well as more about her company at www.schooloflifesol.com check out the new program, “Would you date yourself?” I hope you enjoyed these words from Janet.
I’m Tim Gillette, the Rocker Life Coach. It’s time for you to live the life you always dreamed of by loving what you do and those you share your life with. Let us help you become the RockStar in your world now. Contact me today to get started.
