Our bubble of protection - why are we closing ourselves into it? 5 benefits when you face your fears
Ladies, let's have a heart-to-heart.
How often do you find yourself thinking, " I'm going to stay in my comfort zone today"? You know, that cozy, comfy place where nothing hurts you, but where nothing exciting ever happens either. Let's call it a bubble. Sure, it makes you feel safe, but let's be honest: it also smells faintly of Netflix marathons and unfinished dream journals.
But that's the thing about bubbles: they're fragile.
And life? Life is a little messy and unpredictable, like a toddler in a chocolate fountain. To thrive, we have to step out of the bubble and face our fears. Yes, I said it. Face your fears.
Don't be afraid - I promise it's not as scary as it sounds, and I'm here to walk you through why bursting the bubble could be the most powerful step you'll ever take...
1. You will find that you are much stronger than you think.
Think back to the last time you faced something that scared you to death.
Maybe it was asking for a raise, starting a new job, or even signing up for a pole dancing class (hello, upper body strength!). At first, you felt like you were climbing Mount Everest in stiletto heels. But once you did, you realized that I was actually amazing.
Take Martina, a thirty-two-year-old mom who had a horror of public speaking. Her "bubble" was that she kept quiet at parent-teacher conferences, but one day she volunteered to give a presentation on improving school lunches. She was shaking, stuttering - but she made it. And guess what? She now heads the entire PTA committee.
When you face your fears, the world doesn't open up to you, it rolls out the red carpet with your name on it.
2. Fear becomes less scary over time.
Fear is like a shady ex-husband that you manage to avoid. The more you avoid it, the stronger its grip becomes. But once you face it, its power begins to wane. Kind of like turning on the lights after watching a horror movie - suddenly the monster under your bed is just a pile of laundry.
Here's the science: when you repeatedly confront fear, your brain reprograms itself. The initial fight-or-flight response is lessened. So feel free to confront your fear of driving at night or attending social events alone.
Soon your brain will say, "Oh, that again? I can handle that."
3. You are an example to others.
Have you ever noticed how courage is contagious? When you face your fears, you light a torch for the women around you. Your best friend, your daughter, your colleagues - they're watching you, and your courage inspires them to take their own leaps.
Meet Julia, a woman who was afraid to start her side business. She thought, " What if I fail? What will people think?" But she took the plunge anyway and started selling her handmade jewelry online. Not only did her business thrive, but her sister followed suit and started her own bakery.
Courage is like glitter - it spreads everywhere.
4. Growth = Opportunities
Here's the hard truth: staying in your bubble may seem safe, but it also limits your potential. Facing your fears is like planting seeds in a garden. It's hard work at first, but eventually you'll blossom.
Take Valerie, who left a secure but soul-sucking corporate job to pursue a career as a photographer. Was she scared? You bet she was. But now she gets paid to travel the world and capture breathtaking moments.
This opportunity would never have come if she hadn't been brave enough to break free of her security bubble.
5. You'll gain unshakable confidence.
When you face your fears, you create a mental portfolio of victory. Every time you succeed, it's like adding another gold star to your confidence chart. Even when things don't go perfectly (hello failed social media projects), you're still learning and growing.
Self-confidence isn't about not being afraid, it's about doing things in spite of fear. The more you try to step out of your comfort zone, the more the inner star in you will emerge. (Get ready to get wild.)
How do you burst that bubble?
How do you actually begin to step out of the protective bubble? Here's the elixir:
1.Start small: You don't have to climb the mountain on the first day. Take small steps - whether it's speaking up in a meeting or trying a new hobby.
2. Embrace the awkwardness: Laugh at yourself. Embarrassment is just part of the process.
3. Surround yourself with encouragers: Share your goals with people who encourage you. They will encourage you when your courage starts to waver.
4. Visualize success: Close your eyes and imagine how amazing it will feel when you overcome your fear. (Bonus: do this while wearing your favorite lipstick.)
5. Reward yourself: Celebrate it. Treat yourself to that coffee, a day at the spa, or a ridiculously overpriced candle.
Your bubble isn't the end - it's the beginning...
Stepping out of your bubble doesn't mean leaving all safety nets behind. It means expanding them.
Every time you face fear, you build a life that is richer, fuller, and undeniably yours. And if you stumble along the way? It's okay. Life isn't about being perfect; it's about showing up with your buns ruffled.
So let's do it...
Let's face our fears, one step at a time. Because, my dear, you weren't born to live in a bubble - you were born to shine, to soar, and maybe even pole dance your way to becoming a big star.
And remember, the world is waiting for your fearless magic...
Do you have your protective bubble? What fears do you face today?
Let me know in the comments...
