Forty and Fearless

"Is turning 40 considered a significant achievement, or does it indicate the beginning of a more significant phase?"

Historically, approaching the age of 40 sparks the beginning of a decline in our physical bodies and minds. It also typically sparks in some a reevaluation of our lives and a review of what matters most. What about turning forty? Does it give us this feeling of a descending direction? "Over the hill" celebrations seem familiar, mindset changes are common, and healthcare screenings increase, indicating additional signals to us that we are entering a decline.

Lately, I've been reflecting on what it means for me. Forty is coming up for me this year, yet fearless is the only word that comes to mind. The word brave is defined as holding less space for fear. At this point in my life, I have plenty to fear in the world, as we all do.

What I'm learning is that I have a choice to hold space for fear, or I have an option to let it go. It doesn't mean I don't experience anxiety or have things I am fearful of. When I think about embodying less fear and being fearless, I physically hold less space for fear to exist and stay with me.

Fearlessness as a state of being can be beneficial in many ways. By holding less fear, we allow more space for other things, such as love, courage, laughter, ambition, and other positive emotions already within us. Fear tends to be the most dominant or initial response that keeps us from everything we want. Pursuing our passion, sharing how we feel, or embracing the truth are examples of how our lives are impacted when we hold more space for fear to take over.

Look at your life. Where do you see space to let go of fear? Fear of what you might not understand? Fear in uncertainty? Fear of what could be? How is this holding you back? From relationships you could be having. From a professional opportunity, do you keep skirting or making excuses? From that fantastic experience, you refuse to consider? Or that genuine feeling of being seen for who you are? When you find that space to let go of fear, fill it with something that makes you whole. It's there; you must have the courage to invite whatever it is into the space where fear currently resides.

Like many people, I intensely fear, "Am I enough?" Starting this blog has been a big part of letting go of that fear. This question is common, and often I wonder why being enough matters. What about measuring up to [insert here] standards reinforces confidence within us? Why is it necessary? Because it is part of our human experience.

We are social beings; we naturally need others to support our emotional well-being. Think about a time you were alone. Sure, minimal time alone is lovely and can be rejuvenating. Take COVID, for example; as the pandemic prolonged, we started seeing more people struggle with needing human (face-to-face) interactions. To return to my original point, being fearless does not mean not having fear. Fear resides within us for various reasons. As social beings, fear can directly impact how we interact with others, ultimately impacting our well-being and happiness.

Since my birthday is January 1st, thank you for celebrating my birth yearly; please continue! As I enter 40, I invite you to reflect on your life. The only gift I request for my birthday this year is for you to find ways to remove fear from your life. You might be amazed at what comes through when fear isn't there.

Connect with yourself.

Connect with those around you.

The world will benefit from your work.

Take that next step; you never know what you might find for yourself. Check out our website for additional resources or tools to connect with yourself or those you love.