Fear (and your finances)

Hi, my name is Sarah and I'm a dreamer. 

​Jared, my partner, often rolls his eyes and laughs when I drive home, jump out of my car, and run up to him gush about my next great idea or goal I have for my life and business.  After doing this at least once a week, he's used to it. He knows that the next great adventure around the corner keeps me going. 

What can I do next?  What will help me grow as an individual?  As a business?  As a mentor?  As a mother? What experience will stretch me into that slightly uncomfortable feeling of fear where I know I will not be the same after? 
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Working in so many businesses, jobs, and positions in my career, I discovered I thrive without a challenge. Ideally, a BIG challenge. 

Starting EA was one my biggest life dreams. In this way, I know how intimidating it can be to make the decision to quit a salaried position with "job security" while at the same time, you're dying inside every day knowing you are silently selling your soul. 

And I know too well what it's like to really step out on your own.  (Ridiculously scary.) It's that feeling of not knowing if it will be a step up towards freeing your true self, or if it will be a step down — into possible public failure and ruin of everything you have. (It's usually almost always the former, isn't it?)

This Fear has been by my side every day since I took that leap, and over the years we have developed somewhat of a relationship. In those moments when Fear lurks a little too close, I ask myself, "Where would bravery and courage be without fear?"

Just this last year I pushed myself even further and decided to pursue a second dream of mine: Becoming a yoga teacher. I've always been slightly envious and awestruck by “the yoga instructor.” She's confident, yet carefree, bendable yet strong... they are the directors of peace and vitality. Colorful.  Warm.  No stress.  All ease.  Then one day, I was asked by my friend, Mollie Busby (owner of Yoga Hive) if I had ever considered taking a 200-hour teacher training.  I said yes without thinking. And then later, after making the leap and committing, I thought, “I hope I'm in good enough shape for this. I better start running!” 

I did not expect to be thrown into a completely different world!

Turns out the fitness aspect was the least of my challenges throughout the training. It was my old friend in a different wardrobe... Fear. He was sitting beside me the entire time poking me, asking, Who are you to be able to think that you could be an instructor? You aren’t like anyone else in this training. You don’t even like public speaking!  You aren’t as experienced as everyone else.

Turns out, after all those yoga shapes, classes, poses and lectures, I discovered Fear is what makes me a dreamer. And being a dreamer keeps Fear in check. 

This is what I see in my clients' faces, day in and day out.  I hear Fear in your voices when you call. We talk about the intricacies of your business, you bounce ideas off me,  you trust me enough to ask how to handle employees and their complaints of wanting raises and health insurance. I love being this person. And some days the Fear gets pushed back when a goal has been attained, but we both know he is always there, ready to wiggle in beside you, put a hand on your back, and whisper, “Who do you think you are?"

Opening a business is quite an adventure — as is becoming a yoga teacher... as is anything that pulls us away from our comfort zone. The struggle is real.  The learning curve is great.  At times, it feels isolating to be the one on top, looking down, and trying to manage…everything. But despite Fear, this work has brought amazing, courageous, and empowering people into my life.  Knowing I can help is what fuels me. Knowing I've been there too — I'm there still from time to time. Relating to you and helping you through the financial woes is what I love. 

So I guess I just want to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be your trusted business adviser, and for collaborating to live from a place of adventure — without fear!

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