Overcoming Fear and Connecting With Courage – Suze Orman and Cher
“If we are to embrace the quality of courage to its fullest,” says Suze Orman, “we can no longer allow ourselves to hide behind fear.”
For more info about overcoming fear, read Susan Jeffer’s book Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway (r)
Overcoming Fear – Suze Orman and Cher
“It can be difficult for women to connect to their courage,” writes Orman in her bestselling book Women & Money. “Women can be deflected from a course of action if they think that it might hurt someone else. It’s so much easier to hurt yourself than to hurt someone else, isn’t it? Women also lose their courage when they subscribe to a belief that someone or something is the key to their happiness – rather than recognizing that power lies within.”
I love that: your power is within. For more inspiration from Orman, go to Being a Financial Role Model – Suze Orman.
Overcoming Fear – Cher
When Cher was on the Oprah Winfrey show, she called herself a scaredy cat. I just about plutzed (and I’m not even Jewish!). Cher is 61 years old, has a regular gig performing in Vegas, wears all manner of garb to the Oscars and elsewhere, does whatever the hell she wants – and she calls herself a scaredy cat?! The superstar Cher struggles with overcoming fear and finding courage?
But the thing with Cher is, she does it anyway. She feels fear and takes risks.
And here’s more on overcoming fear from Suze Orman:
“Fear is usually what stands between us and our courage,” she says. “We’re afraid to rock the boat. We’re afraid of confrontation. We’re afraid to upset someone. We’re afraid we’ll lose our job. We’re afraid he’ll divorce us. We’re afraid our kids won’t love us. We’re afraid of what others may think of us. We’re afraid we will be flat broke. The list goes on and on.”
My friend, if you’re a scaredy cat, you’re not alone! Being courageous is different for every woman. For me, it means saying “yes” when I’m scared I can’t do it well – like going on the radio to talk about my articles. For you, it could mean standing up to your boss, or showing your art or writing to the world. Overcoming fear and finding courage could mean being single and not letting it stop you from traveling solo, eating out, or going to movies alone!
Overcoming fear and finding courage means you know what you’re afraid of, and you’re not afraid to admit it. You may be white-knuckled, dripping with sweat, hyperventilating, quaking in your shoes, or screaming inside – but you do it anyway.
Just like “scaredy cat” Cher did.
How do you overcome fear in your life? I welcome your comments below…
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How do I overcome fear in my life? I’ve been married for 28 years, 2 kids, house, 2 cats and an arrogant, entitled, controlling husband. My way to overcome fear is to just get up and get out…….shaking, quaking and all. I will stutter, fall, quiver, but in a couple of years, what will it matter? I will be out of an abusive relationship and will have grown immensely. Honestly, the way out for me has been to truly delve internally and find the richness of my spirit and to take that and bring it out externally. God bless.
Hi Florence,
Hmmm…..that’s a tough one. I can’t think of anything to suggest for overcoming fear, since you’ve already tried what I’d suggest!
Well, that’s not quite true. In your comment above, you touched on so many different things! Aging, fears, trust, consistency, failures, encouraging others, no energy for yourself. It sounds like you’re a whirlwind of all sorts of emotions.
I suggest picking one or two things you’d like to achieve in your life. Maybe just ONE thing, such as making plans to travel somewhere in January or sometime. Then, break down that plan into all the baby steps it’ll take to get there. Don’t think about the emotional side of things — feel your emotions, but don’t let them overpower you.
Focus on one thing at a time. Be practical about how to achieve that one thing. Write down the steps to get that one thing.
When you’ve achieved that thing or when you feel you have it under control, then pick another thing to focus on. And remember: we all feel overwhelmed, scared, helpless, tired, unmotivated, and inconsistent at times! We all feel like failures sometimes. The goal isn’t to avoid those feelings….it’s to make things happen in your life.
The goal is what Susan Jeffers said: “Feel the fear, and do it anyway!”
Also, you need to take control of your life. Stop giving away your energy to the work that you’re not happy with. If it drains you, stop encouraging others! Your people won’t fail because you’re not their cheerleaders…they’ll find new cheerleaders (no offense, but we are replaceable!).
Focus, my friend. Focus on one thing at a time. And — have a happy birthday!
Best wishes, and I welcome you back anytime
Laurie
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post..Coping With Negative Coworkers Who Drain Your Energy – Anais Nin =-.
I’m going to be 53 in two days and I struggle with many fears.I’m aware of most of them (family socializing, traveling, depression etc.). I find that TRUST is the core of my fears and it holds me back from succeeding in my personal/professional lifegoals. Finding the courage and consistancy within myself to overcome my fears is scarey. I’ve tried theraphy, self-help books, they only work for a short while. Where do I begin?, How do I get on track(and stay)? I escape through work I’m not happy with. H E L P! I encourage others, but don’t have the energy to keep it for myself
It’s great to hear from you, AC! I’m glad you feel empowered — that’s what See Jane Soar is all about.
I just have to say: Regarding feeling neglectful to your kids and hubby if you’re not there…that’s a tough one! And, I suspect your feelings of guilt are coming from YOU, not them. They love you and need you, but they probably don’t need you to be at their beck and call! That’s not good for them — or you.
Taking time to pursue your goals and dreams is NOT selfish. It’s a healthy, fulfilling, exciting thing to do. Becoming a well-balanced woman teaches your kids about well-balanced women, and shows them that life is never about just one thing. A health life balances your intellect, friends, spirituality, family, volunteer work — whatever the most important things are to you.
Thanks for being here, AC; I hope to see you around See Jane Soar again!
Laurie
Hello,
Thanks for the positive articles.I am 42 years old.I am married to a wonderful man of 17 years. We have 3 smart, funny, silly ,and active kids. Oh, we also recieve a wonderful gift (7 month old grand son)..I put my career on hold due to being a full time stay home mom plus part time work (retail).I feel that i put my life on hold because of (home life)..That was a fear..I was not confidence enough out of the home.I only felt positive being a mom ,wife and caretaker..You’re article empowered me to want to experience being me.But i feel neglectful towards my husband and kids if i am not there..
Thanks for listening
AC Cornwall