Fear, my best friend

Guest post by Emmanuelle Lambert for Oh, these Wild Women: Stories from the tribe

Fear. I have always lived with it. I used to consider it my best friend : listening to her (yes, she’s a she), giving me advice, and following it. Fear is what led my life in my stead.

When I was a kid I used to be very shy, I was afraid to open my mouth and say something stupid, I was afraid to do anything that would have me look ridiculous – oh, fear of what others might think about me ! As a result, I didn’t do anything (except play volleyball for a year, me the short one who couldn’t reach the top of the net even if I jumped).

Fear led my teenagehood, and despite feeling deep down that I was indeed a Wild Woman, I settled down. Yes, deep down, I was a rebel, and I was afraid of letting this side out. Afraid of what might happen if I did.

And then it hit me. I couldn’t have my life ruled by fear, otherwise I would never do anything. And on my deathbed, would I leave feeling only regret? I don’t think so.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
- Anais Nin

Taking my first yoga class was a huge step out of my comfort zone. Yoga showed me how powerful I was and how as an individual I could make a difference doing what I love! That was when my journey to entrepreneurship began.

In 2010 I took a business management course and started my yoga teacher training while handing down a full-time job.

In 2011 I got certified as a yoga teacher, started teaching and soon after started coaching training, while working my way down to 4 days a week at ze day job.

In 2012, I started my coaching practice, added more classes to my schedule, and broke free to be a full time kick a** coach and yoga teacher.

15-year old me would not recognize me!

And I am committed to serve to the best of my abilities.

When we commit to something we have to accept what’s coming with it. The good, the bad, the resistance, the fear, the joy. Eventually we have to. Because it’s coming, inexorably. And when it’s coming, we have to remember why we are doing what we are doing and what for. Keep an eye on the prize, past the finish line, above and beyond the hurdles.

I am choosing to look at my fear in the eyes and tell her that everything’s going to be all right. That she has no choice, because we are still going to go through this, and we will work together. We have to work together to make this work and do the best we can. Because together we can do it.

Fear is energy. It’s a tremendous force. Imagine what it takes to hold us back. Every day, repeating the same thing over and over: “what if you fail? what if you succeed? what if you don’t make enough money? what if…?” It takes a lot to be rehashing the same speech each and every day.

So you try to shut her down. You try to forget about her. But she’s still there, resisting against your resistance.

It takes a shitload of energy, don’t you think? So instead of turning my back on her, I tell her : « You know what ? I hear you, I see where you’re coming from, and I acknowledge you for wanting to protect me. But there is a way to work things out together. If you’re so scared, why don’t we do everything we can to make you safe? You are strong, work with me. Push me, don’t hold me back.”

Fear, my best friend. Pushing me, not holding me back.

Emmanuelle Lambert is passionate about helping new and aspiring women solopreneurs get started in conscious business so they can design their life and make a profit doing what they love, while taking care of themselves.

A former confused corporate worker, now a life coach, yoga teacher and author, she encourages her wonderful clients and students to tap into their inner power to achieve their dreams.

Emmanuelle is also French (bonjour!), a self-care warrior/dark chocolate lover, and the proud slave of Lulu the Krazy Kitty.

Visit Emmanuelle’s website or connect on Facebook and Twitter.