What fear almost cost me (and what it’s costing you)

Have you ever let fear talk you out of something incredible?

We’ve been on this epic year-long travel adventure, and one of the most interesting parts of the journey has been witnessing and experiencing how fear arises—and learning to be with it.

Recently, after committing to speak at an event and expanding our travels to include Perú, I started researching the trip. I came across plenty of amazing stories from travelers, and then I stumbled upon something else: food safety warnings.

Things like:

• Don’t drink the tap water—only bottled. ✅

• Avoid salad—it could be washed in tap water. 😦

• Don’t brush your teeth with tap water… and the list went on. 🫢

We reached out to our trusted family physician to ask if there was anything we needed to do before traveling. We’ve been to Colombia, South America several times, so honestly, I expected her to say, “You’re all good!”

Instead, she recommended that Edward and I get the Hepatitis A vaccine—something our daughters already had. Out of all the travels we’ve done, this was the first time a vaccine had been advised.

Hepatitis A? I didn’t know much about it – other than the fact that you don’t want it. So, I looked it up and saw that it’s typically spread through contaminated food and water, and that Perú has a high prevalence. 😳

Then came: it’s a two-dose vaccine spaced over six months… and we were less than a month away from leaving. 😳

My immediate reaction was, “What did we get ourselves into?”

Fear crept in fast. My mind was off to the races, creating worst-case stories. I felt overwhelmed and scared. 😩

Here’s the thing:

Freedom Unleashed begins with awareness.

Fear is part of the process.

Since the beginning of time, fear has kept us safe. The challenge is, without awareness, it paralyzes us.  Fear can keep you stuck, stagnant, or disconnected from how you truly want to live.

Fear doesn’t mean you’re weak, unprepared, or broken – it means you’re human.  Growth and expansion always come with some level of fear, because you’re stepping into the unknown.  It’s not about getting rid of fear, it’s about learning how to be with it and not let it lead.

Each time we’ve chosen a new destination—Croatia, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Colombia, and now Perú—fear has shown up in some way. And every time, it’s been an invitation to move through it.

Had we succumbed to each fear – not the kind that prompts caution, but the kind that halts action – we would’ve missed out on each adventure.  On learning. On connection.  On experiencing amazing things as a family. 

Now, after being in Perú for a week, I can say this: the food situation is much less than the scary stories I created in my mind.  Being aware of the food safety concerns has led us to be cautious and we are having an incredible time and truly enjoying the local cuisine – we even took a Peruvian cooking class together, and it was one of the best, most fun experiences we’ve ever done as a family!

FREEDOM UNLEASHED TAKEAWAY:

Fear will always be there.  And, when you meet it with awareness, recognizing it for what it is, you gain the power to face it —instead of avoid it—you can move forward with clarity, courage, and freedom.

When you do, you open yourself to experiences that would have never been possible if you had let fear hold you back. 

What adventure, opportunity, or transformation are you standing on the edge of, but letting fear hold you back from?  

This is your invitation to take the next step. 😀