How often have you allowed fear and your inner critic to stop you from doing something you were inspired to do

Question

Helen Keller said, "Life is either a grand adventure or nothing.”

“Be an all-out, not a hold-out.” -- Norman Vincent Peale

Do you agree that when we allow fear and criticism to stop us in our tracks, we give up that grand adventure? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Answer 1

Being Who You Are

Living Your Truth

When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or
embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds. As we grow
older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away, putting it aside while we
chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success. But we
never let that freedom go completely. We may conform to society while
embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions,
though it doesn't change the fact that we possess them. It is important,
however, to never stray too far from that youthful brashness and
self-interest for they are qualities that help make you who you are. The
authentic you is your true self and, in living authentically, you live your
truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who you really
are. The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of
other behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

It takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for
you, regardless of the opinions of others - even the opinions of close
friends and family. Living authentically means that you make choices without
fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom... If you value personal pursuits,
don't feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up
with your neighbors. Conversely, if you prize success in business, don't let
others' perception of what's right for you hold you back. Denying your
unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you
aren't acknowledging your true self. In living your truth, there are no
pretenses. Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.

If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask
yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor your strengths and
don't let yourself be guided by what other expect of you. Finally, discover
your passions by trying new things, and sticking with those things that stir
your soul. Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace
you true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both
satisfying and deeply meaningful.
~ Daily Om


I was sent this today from a friend and thought it fit your question well Kallan!
BB
Ariel

Answer 2

Much too often.
I have to be honest, I am not that big of a risk taker anymore both personally and professionally. I have two kids to support and that makes me think I can't just leave my job to do something I really like to do. I used to be a huge risk taker and in my youth I did alot of things and I wasn't afraid to fail.
Now however, I fear the risk of my kids security if say I just gave up my steady job, steady pay and plunged into the life of a Chef etc... I would love that as I'm a real good cook but I do pray on it, and if it's meant for me, it will be. I think though if I was on my own and it was just me, I'd do it and pray all the way through it while I did it. For now, I guess it's fear and a little common sense that now is not the time. Maybe that's just being wise, and being a grown up. I do however, think on these things once in a while.

Answer 3

First time I ever agreed with you,Norman Vincent Peale was
brilliant and Helen Keller Amazing.

Answer 4

It has likely saved my life on more than one occasion.
_----------------
I came back and read other comments. Ignoring my inner critic and fear has ended me up in hospital a few times. It is one thing to talk about risk taking in your office while pushing a pencil or typing away. It is another thing to talk about risk taking while working a thousand feet underground or a thousand feet in the air. I have been both places. I have also been working so far back into the forests that it was a one week hike to the nearest road or water route access.
I pay attention to inner criticism and fear.

Answer 5

I think we allow fear to cut us short of our goals sometime,however criticism is healthy and forth going its makes our lives better (Example)You fix little Johnny's wagon he said you didn't do a very good job ,the next time you fix a wagon what's going to happen ,need i say more.God said fear not for i have overcome the world and that includes criticism,you dont have to be perfect in doing any thing, take a look at George Bush,mistake are inevitably.Admitting them is noble.Struggling, perfects us to a degree that perfection is our only goal, if you are in a war the objective is not to be perfect,but to win.

Answer 6

Before knowing about the Universal Energy Field I did that alot, now I don't have any fears, ill occurences don't happen because I don't give them any energy or fuel to be in my reality. I'm experiencing quantum success from the law of attraction, and am able to do many things now that I was inspired to do, yet once fearful of doing. Example: spending money to fix my car; no fear that money will be depleted; it keeps coming in now when I want it, not need it.

Answer 7

Daily, I do plan my lunch two weeks in advance (only six days a I only work 3 days per week) There are also times when I go with the flow. I am a creature of habit. My Lunch almost always has single pack of Pringles, Dr. Pepper, and Jell-O Vanilla Pudding Cup. The Sandwich might change, but the rest is the same..

Answer 8

My inner critic is trying to stop me from answering this. Sometimes we are taking a rest whilst still on our grand adventure, it gets tiring being an intrepid explorer and we need some rest and recreation to renew our batteries.

Answer 9

Yes I think that is just human nature for us to resist.
Then in hindsight look back and we wish we had taken that leap, Also sense I am a Spiritualist I sometimes have to keep my beliefs a secret, like at work for fear of repercussions.So my goodness yes I have many times let fear of criticism stop me.

Answer 10

Ohhhhh all the time. I don't give up the adventure but it can and does hold me back. I beat myself up with questions "Am I sure?" "What if I'm wrong?" "What if they will think badly of me?"
Let me tell you, following paganism has really put those questions into over drive. It's made me sit and really think about where I'm going, what I'm doing, and what's right or wrong for me. I will say it always feels great when I finally do just jump in.