Amy FriendMay 2, 2016

I am proud of myself for no longer allowing anxiety to rule me. Up until just 5 years ago, fear of the unknown or being judged kept me from doing many things that I might otherwise have really enjoyed doing. It’s been a journey to get to this place where I can now embrace the unknown. I do it because of the supportive friends in my life and the knowing that I will be better for trying.

As a child, I was the student who would never raise her hand and if I got called on, I said nothing. This was safe. I grew up as a gymnast and my world was mostly just school and the gym. This was safe. I went off to college at Oral Robert’s University on a gymnastics scholarship as my family felt like this would be a conservative place for Amy. This was safe. This pattern continued through my years of raising a family. I avoided social events whenever possible. I have worked at the same company now for 32 years.  Safe!

“Safe” doesn’t necessarily help you chase your dreams or follow your passions. In January 2010, my real journey began when I signed up for my first workshop with ToBeRe… and Keith Jones. I would be turning 50 and I just wanted to lose a few pounds and feel good about myself. Little did I know that there were so many other areas in which I needed to grow.

After I graduated from my own workshop, I became a sponsor to new participants going through the 6-week program. At the “Welcome Orientation Dinner” sponsors had to get up in front of the group and tell your story. As much as I wanted to share – in writing, my stomach would tie itself in a knot and I could feel my heart start to pound. I could not eat. Keith would have me go first, knowing that the anxiety would dissipate and then I could get a plate of food.

This was the beginning of my coaching with Keith and embracing the uncomfortable. I quickly formed new girlfriend relationships through “HILOY (How Do I Land On You) exercises” which focus on people giving you support to grow in an area that’s important to you. I began listening to inspirational podcasts on my drive to work, and I would do a self-video about what I learned from the podcast once I reached the parking garage. As UNCOMFORTABLE as this was, I would then send the video to Keith, my accountability partner. The thought of having a better life experience pushed me to seek out that which made me uncomfortable my whole life.

Today, I don’t even think about it. I don’t let fear stop me. I have so much to give and share and my excitement is unstoppable. I teach 3 TRX classes every week and I am open to being in front of the video camera on a moment’s notice on any given subject. That said, I know I am still growing, but the more I do it, the better I get.

If this story sounds familiar, start today with the following 3 steps:

1. List your fears. Mine was public speaking and social events.
2. Do something every day to face your fears by putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. For me it was self videos and doing cooking and exercise videos.
3. Partner with a coach or friend who will support you and hold you accountable.

Embrace what’s uncomfortable. Face your fears. And live your passion!

Happy to be happy,

Amy