I Can’t Believe I am Actually Doing This – I am Facing One of My Biggest Fears!
For this past week, in my yoga classes and for my coaching clients, the theme has been to do something that you are afraid of. In yoga, it could really be anything, trying a yoga pose that you usually avoid, taking a big leap towards something you desire in your life, asking out loud for what you want or facing your fear and taking action instead of avoiding whatever it is.
For my “jewelry” coaching clients, I asked them about fears in their business. I challenged them to take one step towards that fear, whether it be calling the store that they want to be in or asking someone for business. Fear of rejection is really powerful. More importantly though, facing that fear is extremely empowering.
So I am taking the challenge too. My friend, Amber Krzys, the founder of bodyheart, challenged me to take off all my clothes and photograph a part of my body that I love. Well, I did it. I love my back (and my butt – that’s why I took almost all of my clothes off). Below, I have posted a picture form the photo shoot. I feel so vulnerable and I am scared S#!t-less right now. So here it is, my strong, flexible back.
Posting this photo is terrifying and liberating at the same time. I am not a model and standing naked in front of strangers is terrifying. Posting a nearly naked photo on my blog is more than terrifying, it almost makes me want to hide under the covers. That fact of the matter is, I love my back and I wanted to celebrate it! It’s carries me around all day and holds me upright. It supports me in my favorite yoga poses, any kind of backbend. It is sexy (did I really just say that?) and curvy.
I am so grateful to have this strong back to call my own. I am also grateful for my yoga practice. Because of yoga, I have back muscles in places that I didn’t even know existed.
Ok I faced my fear (I have been procrastinating posting this since October and it is now the end of January). So now it’s your turn. What will you do today to face a your own fear? How do you [heart] your body? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Go, Tracy! The bodyheart photo is absolutely beautiful and sexy…and more so for your boldness and strength in the face of fear, vulnerability and rejection. I know this well as an introvert performing songs that reveal my inner-most thoughts and feelings if you really listen. I’m so not a natural performer and was painfully shy as a child so expressing myself onstage has been the culmination of a life journey and a very empowering one.
Alas, the daily struggle continues. Following your suggestion last week, I asserted myself on the work front by sending out a notice to my clients about increasing my rates. I’ve desperately needed to do this for years now, and I have only myself to blame for putting my clients first and running my business into the ground instead of standing up for myself. I’ve been met with flat-out rejection by attempting this in the past so the fear is real. No visible signs of retaliation so far…keep your fingers crossed for me!
Minnie, so glad you raised your rates! Wahoo!! I bet you everyone is just going to say OK and you’ll be earning your worth like you should be.
Thanks for your support on posting this photo. It is such a strange thing for me and I am so thrilled that my friend Amber challenged me to do this.
Thanks so much for taking on one of your fears and for supporting me in taking on mine.
xo, Tracy
Amazing photo Tracy!! You continue to amaze me and inspire me!! Thank you for sharing this- amazing posting and I am sure inspirational to many others as well!!!
Brooke, thanks so much for commenting! You are just as inspirational to me!
Go Tracy! You look beautiful and you DO have a lovely back indeed.
So my fear tackling challenge is below:
Last week I went down to the hotel and sat in a room full of top executives, including my boss and my bosses boss! I finally sat firmly and bravely and asked for my much needed raise and bonus. I was sweating and nervous and scared for what would happen and then it dawned on me…I have worked so hard for years…what the hell do I have to loose?!
Well, it worked! I feel so much better, plus I know now that I have the support of my team and respect from the top executives in my company that I feared might be faltering.
Feels really good and I like that this experience matches your theme for January Tracy 🙂
I learned that you have to speak up for what you want and feel you deserve, otherwise you will never know what opportunities are out there for your life.
It is true, we alone are responsible for our happiness.
XOXO
Jen
Jen, I am so proud of you! What an accomplishment. It is hard to ask for more money especially when you are nervous that it might put something in jeopardy. It is really important to be paid what you are worth. You have worked hard for many years and you totally rock!
xo, Tracy