13537718_10209889769944366_1815659185044942652_nSee that picture of me smiling?  Notice the exhilaration on my face?

I decided it was high time to start driving again after a five year hiatus.

I live in a 99% walkable area. Why drive?

 

But I had to get back behind the wheel again. Here’s why:

  1. I needed to feel comfortable and confident again about driving. I had walked and bused for over FIVE years!
  2. I needed to drive for our upcoming Israel trip. (back to #1)
  3. I wanted my freedom back.
  4. My kids are getting older (especially my son) and I wanted the ability to bring my them to any extra-curricular activities.

From that experience, I’ve learned a few things:

  1. A five year old anxiety had dictated to me that I could no longer drive.
  2. I had developed “the passenger mindset” which made me dependent on others.

 

But the biggest problem was learning how to overcome the FEAR that kept me from getting behind that wheel. Fear is crippling. The opposite of FEAR is taking action.

I wanted to prove to my courageous self that I could still handle the driving.

So I reactivated my zipcar account (best decision ever) and took the plunge. I got someone to accompany me for the first few trips, so I would feel more relaxed as I figured out the lay of the land.

What can I say about that first experience?

I had my freedom back. After all, I drove everywhere when we lived in Israel.

I felt exhilarated. I felt empowered. I got my confidence back.

AND…. I didn’t forget how to drive!!!

Two hours later of getting behind the wheel, I posted this status update:

WOO-HOO! Just drove for 1.5 hours all around Pittsburgh after not driving for 5 years! I did it! I thought I had lost the driving ability and got myself all anxious thinking about it for 5  years. But I did great. YEAH I DID IT!!

 

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But more than that, I want you to walk away feeling empowered. Know that the impossible is ALWAYS possible. You CAN loose twenty pounds – if that’s what you wish. You CAN write that great American novel – if that’s your calling. You CAN brand your business successfully and become a published author if that is on your bucket list. There are so many things you can do when you say goodbye to fear.

This story of courage I’m living is also the story I’m telling as I write book two of the Accidental Soldier series. In fact, I’m writing about how my life totally changed when I came back to live in the US with my family. Chapter One is temporary titled, “Wanting in Motion” and if you’d like to read more about the new book, you can do so here.

I’m leaving for Israel next Thursday, and I’m looking forward to sharing more experiences about my family travel adventures. I will be sharing the news on my Facebook author page and on my blog.

Feel free to like my author page and if you haven’t already, you can download one of the two free e-courses:

  • your free 7 day e-course on courageous living in life and your business
  • your free 6 day e-course on how to build your platform with courage

When you sign-up, you’ll also get a monthly ezine containing author updates, resources how to brand and promote your book with courage and other materials how to nurture your work with courage.

 

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Here’s to your courage and stepping out of your comfort zone!

Dorit