Fear and Overcoming

Fear and Overcoming

 Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to inject a shot of savvy, smarts, and a whole lotta "you got this" into this already insightful post about fear. Let's dial up the leadership vibes, sprinkle in some humor, and make this thing even more relatable and actionable. Here's the revamped version:

Fear: That Pesky Little Gremlin in Your Brain (and How Not to Let It Drive the Bus)

Let's get real for a hot minute, shall we? Fear. It's not just a feeling; it's a full-blown biological rave happening in your skull. We're talking a legitimate physical reaction, people. Think goosebumps that could rival a porcupine convention. Now, let's not confuse this with its drama-queen cousin, phobia, who throws a tantrum and basically cancels your ability to adult.

At the heart of this internal chaos is your amygdala, that tiny, almond-shaped bouncer in your brain. It's constantly scanning the VIP list of your senses, tagging anything that screams "danger!" Learn something scary once, and BAM! Your amygdala's got it filed away, ready to unleash the panic button the next time something even remotely similar strolls by.

And when that button gets mashed? Oh boy, the body's got a script. Blood pressure's soaring like it's trying to break the sound barrier. Heart's doing the tango at triple speed. You're sucking in air like you just ran a marathon (spoiler alert: you probably just saw a spider). And your brain? Sweetheart, it's gone on a mini-vacay, prioritizing survival mode. Think primal: Kick! Punch! Run! (cue dramatic music).

So, the million-dollar question: fight, flight... or freeze like a deer caught in my headlights after a few too many espresso shots?

Look, if your inner superhero cape suddenly appears and you feel the urge to go full-on Wonder Woman or Captain America on the situation, by all means, unleash the awesome! Give it your absolute all. But here's the savvy part: there's zero shame in hitting the eject button and making a strategic retreat. Seriously. Sometimes, recognizing you're facing a level boss you're not equipped for yet is the smartest move you can make. Ask yourself the tough questions: Is this the hill you really want to die on? Is this where your precious energy is best spent?

Speaking of not being equipped… let me paint you a picture from my glorious youth. Sixteen-year-old me, feeling invincible (as you do at that age, right?), joins the cool kids for some "cliff jumping." Sounds epic, right? It's just water! Tough girl reporting for duty! Wrong. So wrong. Turns out, hitting water from a decent height feels suspiciously like being repeatedly slapped in the face with a sheet of sandpaper (motorcycle riders, you feel me on the rain-on-the-face pain). And the momentum? Oh, it enthusiastically drags you down into the watery abyss, where you're convinced you'll become one with the seaweed before you gasp for air. Finally, you breach the surface, lungs screaming for oxygen, only to discover the mother of all wedgies. My teenage wisdom concluded: Nope. Just… nope.

Then there's the Freeze response. Ah yes, the classic deer-in-the-headlights maneuver. Which neatly brings me to my personal nemesis: heights. Now, you'd think a savvy individual would just avoid them, right? Wrong again! My brain, in its infinite wisdom, decided the best way to conquer this fear was to strap myself into the World's Scariest Sky Coaster, dangling a casual 1200 feet above the Royal Gorge. My actual recollection of this "experience" is limited to a persistent feeling of my stomach trying to stage a hostile takeover and the distinct sensation of impending doom involving jagged rocks. My eyelids were so tightly sealed, I'm pretty sure they were considering permanent residency. That, my friends, was the moment I officially issued a "do not pass go, do not collect $200" eviction notice to the part of me that thought forcing myself into extreme situations was the path to fearless enlightenment.

So, how do we actually deal with this gremlin?

Overcoming: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint (and Definitely Not a Sky Coaster)

Spoiler alert: you don't just brute-force your way to fearless glory. Trust me, I tried the "throw yourself into the fire" approach, and all I got was a slightly damp butt and a lingering fear of heights. What actually works is a more… shall we say… intelligent approach.

Think of it as conditioning. Start with those fear-inducing situations in bite-sized portions. Tiny nibbles, people. Learn to tune into your breath, that glorious built-in calming mechanism, when your pulse starts doing the cha-cha. Play the "worst-case scenario" game in your head to dial down the drama of your reaction. And here's the kicker: actively seek out those uncomfortable moments, just a little bit at a time. Lean in, instead of running for the hills (unless, you know, there's an actual reason to run for the hills). This slow and steady approach helps your brain rewire its panic response. Just remember, overcoming can be a bit of a moving target, especially when life throws you a curveball.

But I stumbled upon something deeper, more sustainable, and surprisingly simple. It boils down to your values. Take my public speaking fear, for example. It vanished faster than free pizza at a tech startup when I realized something crucial: time is precious. Mine, and everyone else's. The thought of wasting people's valuable time with a rambling, unprepared presentation became far more terrifying than standing in front of a crowd. So, I told my inner drama queen to take a hike, focused on delivering value, and boom! Fear? What fear?

Another game-changer for me was observing my own behavior under extreme pressure. Here's a little secret about me: when the chips are down, I'm like a laser beam. Crystal clear objectives, unwavering confidence in the best path forward, and zero hesitation in delegating tasks. Boom! Decisions made, actions taken, problem solved.

It seems that during those intense moments, my inner badass just quietly steps forward and takes the reins. No second-guessing, no self-doubt. She cuts through the mental clutter and just knows what needs to be done. No regrets. Just action.

Now, I'm not suggesting you go out there and actively hunt down hardship for kicks. What I am saying is this: a lot of the amazing stuff you're striving for is already simmering inside you. Your desires? They're a reflection of your inherent capabilities. You've got the talents, the resources, the sheer grit needed for your unique journey. You have everything you need to navigate the obstacles, seize the opportunities, and connect with the people you're meant to. It's all right there, waiting for you to peel back the layers and unleash the remarkable potential that's been there all along. So go on, savvy smarty pants, you got this. Now go make some magic happen.

Leading the Pack: Life's Lessons from my GSD

 Let me establish that having a German Shepherd (GSD) as my first companion pet was, in hind sight probably not the best choice, but we as animal lovers may not always have a choice, right? If this is you, don’t fret! I have a few insights I can share with you and rest assured, your GSD will be right there to train you too!

First: You need a human pack leader in the home. I cannot stress this enough! powerful breeds like GSD’s need a pack leader to create boundaries, set rules and to take the pressure off him or her from becoming the dominant one. resulting in a very big, hard to control and over protective dog.

Second: Be prepared to spend considerable time and money exercising, socializing and training your German Shepherd. These dogs need a LOT of exercise, training and socialization around other dogs and people. GSD’s are very high energy and if you aren’t regularly exercising them they will find another outlet, and believe me when I say this is one thing you really want to avoid.

Third: Proper physical and even emotional care is essential. GSD’s can be a bit high maintenance, requiring annual vet check ups, quality food (watch out for allergies!), lots of love, companionship, to feel a part of the family or “pack” and included in the family activities and outings.

Lastly, keep in mind: “big dogs wreck stuff” and that is all there is to it.

Aside from learning most of the above information via “the hard way”. My German Shepherds taught me some very valuable life lessons too! To preface, we had two GSD’s, named Zeus and Cooper and they were fairly close in age. Zeus was the younger of the two, we adopted him as a puppy. Cooper came into our lives a little later. We met him at doggy daycare and since his owner worked long hours, Cooper needed a more suitable home. German Shepherds have very independent and distinct personalities, they are stubborn, smart, engaged and also beautiful.

Life Lessons from my GSD #1: Establish your place, early and often.

Without fail every time someone opened the door to go outside, they would push their way out ahead of them and start haggling with each other about who was the dominant one. They would be so wrapped up in it that if you weren’t paying attention to the foray, you were likely to get knocked over while they duked it out. to this day, we still aren’t sure who actually was the dominant one but we believe Zeus, held the position most often. Because Zeus was such a snob, his motive would be simply to maintain his position on the “throne” and on the flip side, dominance wasn’t really high on Coopers priority list. The point here is that, you need to know your place and constantly evaluate the performance of those in the upper ranks, ready to step in and lead if needed.

Life Lessons from my GSD #2: Know thyself and defend your values to the end

German Shepherds thrive when given a “job” or role in the family. In our pack, Zeus was the protector and alerter of of other humans i.e. “Stranger Danger” and Cooper kept an eye on the animal population threat. Their one priority was to protect us. They knew this to their core and never deviated from the mission. They wouldn’t shrug it off, they didn’t sleep in or allow any distraction to keep them from fulfilling that mission, ever. This was their “one thing” and they fearlessly, consistently honored it.

Life Lessons from my GSD #3: Dedicate yourself to the ones you love, unapologetically.

Unconditional love is just one of the many perks of owning a dog and German Shepherds are no exception. You’ll find that your GSD will follow you everywhere, much like Velcro dog, while they earnestly and constantly check on your well being. They can act like giant lap dogs with no concept of their size. They lean their heavy bodies into your leg, sit on your feet, or push their noses into your hand, basically saying, “I love you, and I feel safe with you. They will insist on sleeping in your bed with you, they will comfort you when you don’t feel well and gaze into your eyes with deep affection.

Life lessons from my GSD #4: Keep them guessing!

I mentioned before that Cooper came into our lives a “little later”, he was about two years old I think. His previous owner worked in the medical field and had him trained in search and rescue. So, to say he was smarter than the average pup is an understatement. Cooper would open the garage door to let himself outside, go potty and then let himself back in. Based on various reports from our neighbors, he let himself outside quite often when we weren’t home. He would open the treat drawer and pry caps off containers to feast on his favorite delights. Thing is ... he never opened doors, drawers or jumped out windows in front of us. Of coarse we knew he was the one who licked all the frosting off the cupcakes on the counter and pulled the roaster down onto the floor to eat an entire ham. He just never performed any of his best tricks while we were watching.

#5: Bear Hugs!

Our newest edition, Bear starts each day with enthusiasm, and ends each day with a snuggle and his famous “Bear Hug” where he burrows his nose into my neck, plops his paws on my chest and deeply sighs his content while we humans wake up begrudged, and roll out of bed with disdain for the oncoming day of stress. He appreciates life, the gifts of each day and the love that is available to him.

Two of our German Shepherds have crossed the rainbow bridge, (but not all!) we miss them so much.  They were and are a huge part of our family, and our conversations. They bring us joy, laughter, entertainment, and unconditional friendship and love.

The Power of Change

I LOVE CHANGE

So much so that I spend endless hours crafting “something new” quite often!

Have you ever been so passionate about something that you wake up at 3 a.m. just to dive into it?

That's the level of excitement I have about starting this blog, sort of.

Known for spontaneously offering advice throughout the day, I believe I may have valuable insights to help others navigate challenges and avoid heartache – a truly meaningful endeavor. Who am I to think I possess such vast and useful knowledge? No one special. I'm just like you, with a sprinkle of dry humor, impatience, and a touch of OCD.

Having served others since a young age, I've learned about cause and effect and people's general responses in various situations. Each person has a unique way of navigating life, which I find fascinating. With 52 years behind me, I've experienced love, loss, hurt, resilience, fairytale romances, scandalous relationships, abuse, neglect, joy, beauty, and overcoming tough times unexpectedly.

“IF THERE IS ONE THING I KNOW, Absolutely, ITS PEOPLE."

Identified as an enthusiastic observer, I embody traits of intuition, curiosity, and analytical thinking. Being the youngest among five siblings in the typical dysfunctional household of the 70s and 80s, I am accustomed to lively family gatherings filled with great music, beer, wine, loud laughter, and shenanigans. I love to sing! In the car, at home, at church, and even at the local bar. Drawing inspiration from designing interiors, fashion, and art, I have a keen interest in organizing events and hosting get-togethers. Animals, especially dogs, hold a special place in my heart, and they seem to like me too. I like being active in the outdoors, especially camping, kayaking, bicycling, and road trips. I prefer mountains and pine trees over beaches and palms. I really like winter, although fall is my favorite season – albeit secretly wishing it were spring for its sense of renew.

Blended families, toxic relatives, addiction, the miracle of birth, and the vulnerability of innocence are all parts of my journey. Coming from hardships, I've learned to present myself for success and have witnessed the transformative power of God's love in my life and others'. In my roles, I've balanced being a relational person and a female leader in a male-dominated industry. As an introvert who finds solace on stage, I've been a confidant countless times and discovered there's little I can't handle – except reaching the hot sauce on the the top shelf at the grocery store without climbing up there.

Spending a significant amount of time alone, reflecting, and brainstorming ways to bring joy and aid others in succeeding fills my days. I ponder ways to contribute positively to the lives of those I love and strive to make a difference daily. Not one to give up easily, life's hurdles only show another step ahead, and another after that. Life is designed that way.

Identified as an enthusiastic observer, I embody traits of intuition, curiosity, and analytical thinking. Being the youngest among five siblings in the typical dysfunctional household of the 70s and 80s, I am accustomed to lively family gatherings filled with great music, beer, wine, loud laughter, and shenanigans. I love to sing! In the car, at home, at church, and even at the local bar. Drawing inspiration from designing interiors, fashion, and art, I have a keen interest in organizing events and hosting get-togethers. Animals, especially dogs, hold a special place in my heart, and they seem to like me too. I like being active in the outdoors, especially camping, kayaking, bicycling, and road trips. I prefer mountains and pine trees over beaches and palms. I really like winter, although fall is my favorite season – albeit secretly wishing it were spring for its sense of renewal.

The Savvy Leaders Secret: Your Message, Not Your Mic

The Savvy Leader's Secret: Your Message, Not Your Mic

Let's cut to the chase. In leadership, we often get tangled up in the bells and whistles of presentation. We fret over slide decks, our vocal tone, whether our hands are doing "the right thing." And sure, those bits have their place. But here's the absolute truth I’ve learned: communication is about the content, not the speaker.

This isn't an excuse to show up unprepared in your pajamas (a quick glance in the mirror before you head out is still a good idea, trust me!). It's about a fundamental shift in where you pour your energy.

I remember a moment, a real switch-flipping moment, where I realized I was spending too much time battling my own fears about how I'd be perceived, and not enough time on the actual value I was bringing. It hit me: my job wasn't to be a perfect performer; it was to deliver something truly valuable. And when that switch flipped, my entire approach changed. My focus snapped from "Am I good enough?" to "Is this message good enough?"

Master Your Message: Your Content is the Star

Think about it like this: your message is the gourmet meal you’re preparing. Are you going to obsess over the fancy garnish, or are you going to perfect the recipe and find the freshest ingredients? The answer is obvious. Your content is your main course.

Focus Your Energy: Pour your heart and soul into crafting and mastering your message. This isn't just about picking words; it's about drilling down into the core value you're offering.

Keep Visuals Razor-Sharp: When using slides, go extreme. Five words or less per slide. Seriously. If you've got detailed stats or complex info, put it on a concise one-pager handout. This keeps your audience locked into you and your insights, not squinting at tiny text. The content leads, and you're the guide who ensures it lands.

The "Draft" Isn't Done; It's Where the Magic Begins

That first version you write? We call it a "draft" for a reason. It's the first completed version, not the final masterpiece. This is where the real work of uncovering impact starts.

Identify Your "What": You've decided to share something. Great. You think it's important and worthy of attention. Good start.

Dig Deep for the "Why": Now, go deeper. Why is this information so crucial? What about it is so important, so essential, that you absolutely must share it? Keep asking "why?" until you hit rock bottom. As I learned from Same As Ever, we humans run in cycles, just like the earth. We're not going to stumble upon some never-before-seen personal development concepts. That's like looking for a new primary color – they exist, we just find fresh variations based on our experiences and what resonates.

My Mantra: "You Can Do Better Than That."

And when you think you're done? Look yourself in the eye (metaphorically, or literally in the mirror!) and tell yourself: "You can do better than that." That's my personal challenge, and it's what transforms a good message into an unforgettable one.

Passion Fuels Resonance: The Circle Continues

What truly breaks through the noise and resonates with an audience? It's your passion. When you've dug deep, truly understood your "why," and polished your message until it gleams, your genuine passion for that content will naturally burst forth. That's not just felt by you; it's felt by everyone listening. It's the fuel for connection, understanding, and action.

See how the circle continues? ALL of our energy must be placed in delivering the absolute best content we can possibly muster. And yes, give yourself a quick once-over in a full-length mirror before you walk out the door. But here's the punchline: if delivered correctly, the content will be the star, but YOU will be remembered for it.

Because when you commit to powerful content, you're not just communicating; you're influencing, inspiring, and leaving a legacy