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Courage Is the First Step Toward a Life Without Regrets

Courage Is the First Step Toward a Life Without Regrets

The Courage to Answer an Inner Calling

When I turned 40, I gathered the courage to do something I had never done before: I auditioned for a play. At the time, I had never taken an acting class or auditioned for anything before (except cheerleading in high school, which was a failure). Even so, deep down, I knew that if I didn’t at least give it a try, I would always feel like I had let myself down. Looking back, I realize that taking that step was the beginning of something I had always wanted to explore.

Later on, in February 2017, I participated in the Short & Sweet 10-minute Play Festival in Dubai. At that moment, as I waited in “the wings” for my stage entrance, I felt sick to my stomach and whispered to my colleagues, “Why do we do this?”

Meanwhile, nerves got the best of me, and I forgot why I participated in amateur dramatics. Suddenly, I started wondering: What if I forgot my lines? What if something went wrong? Or worse, what if the audience didn’t like it? I think you get the idea.

Finding Courage Under the Spotlight

However, immediately after the performance, I knew I would do it again. In addition, there are many reasons I love this hobby; among them are the lessons I have learned about myself and life throughout the process.

First and foremost, acting has taught me the importance of honoring an inner calling. Similarly, many of us have inner callings that, if we do not explore them, can create regret later in life.

Unfortunately, we often suppress this wisdom. Instead, we allow fear (or other excuses) to get in the way. As a result, we suffer when we shrink into our safe existence, patterns, and routines.

The Willingness to Embrace Uncertainty

Secondly, it is important to embrace our doubts and uncertainty. Despite this, the anxiety acting causes me, still, wouldn’t make me choose any other way.

At the same time, the tension of stepping from the place of certainty, the “wings,” into the uncertainty of the spotlight creates a sense of aliveness in me. Without that uncertainty, if I always knew what the outcome would be, the process would not provide the same kind of satisfaction.

Courage to Live Beyond Expectations

Moreover, we don’t have to put pressure on ourselves to set the world on fire or climb the highest mountain. For example, I don’t need to be a movie star to fully enjoy acting.

Throughout my coaching experience, I have supported others in honoring themselves in both big and small ways. Whether redefining a career direction, starting a new business, joining a local writing group, or skiing on a dry slope, it is never too late.

Beyond that, there are many ways to honor a calling and enjoy the aliveness that new experiences and living outside our comfort zone can bring.

A Moment of Reflection

At this point, I invite you to pause for a moment:

Are you “waiting in the wings” in any area of your life?

Do you feel you have a calling that has not been heeded?

What is holding you back?

Practical Steps to Find Your Courage

If you decide it’s time to step up for yourself, here are a few practical things I have learned and shared with clients that I hope will help you on your way:

Listen to “the call.”

Brainstorm ways to heed “the call” (small, medium, or large).

Establish support to keep you on track (coaching, a friend, a group, whatever works best for you).

Embrace the sensation of uncertainty.

Acknowledge that the more you push past fear, the easier it becomes.

Finally, trust that regardless of the outcome, you will move from existence to aliveness, toward a life without regrets.

Ultimately, as they say in the world of theatre, “break a leg.”

By: Lisa Harter
Certified Life & Happiness Coach. She works with clients globally to create a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment and can be contacted at: lisahartercoaching.com.