Stuck in Life? It Might Be the Conversation You're Not Having
Or ... no one likes wearing wool sweaters into the sauna ...
This Week’s Courage Newsletter
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity" - Amelia Earhart
Why that conversation you're avoiding might change your life's trajectory
Scare Your Soul Challenge: The 10-Minute Talk (warning: may cause unexpected life changes)
Bottom line: The hardest part isn't the conversation - it's deciding to have it
Dear Courageous Souls (and Fellow Conversation Avoiders),
"Scott," the voice on the other end of the phone exclaimed, "I have a Scare Your Soul baby!"
Now, I've heard some wild things as the founder of a courage movement, but a "Scare Your Soul baby"?
That was definitely a first.
The story that followed would become one of my most treasured Scare Your Soul moments.
One of our ambassadors had taken on our weekly challenge: Have that difficult conversation you've been avoiding.
You know the one - the one we look forward to as much as wearing a wool sweater into a sauna.
For her, it meant finally sitting down with her then-husband. Their marriage had become stagnant - two people sharing a house but not a life, going through the motions while avoiding the truth that hung heavy in the air between them.
It wasn't working. Hadn't been for a long time.
And you know what?
When she finally found the courage to speak those words aloud, he felt exactly the same way.
It was like a veil had been lifted, revealing a truth they'd both been tap-dancing around for far too long.
Sometimes the scariest conversations are the ones that set us free.
In the months that followed, as she navigated the choppy waters of change, someone unexpected reappeared in her life - her high school sweetheart, back in town after years away.
He became a safe harbor in the storm.
That friendship rekindled, blossomed into love, and eventually led to marriage.
And then... well, that's where the "Scare Your Soul baby" comes in.
One conversation.
Ten minutes of courage.
A completely different life.
As she told me this story while pushing her stroller around the block, I couldn't help but marvel at how the universe works.
Sometimes it takes closing one door - no matter how terrifying - for the right one to open.
Here's what I've learned about pivotal conversations:
They're never as scary as we imagine (our brains are drama queens and kings)
The other person usually wants to help (humans are surprisingly nice)
The relief after is worth every second of anxiety before
They rarely last as long as we fear
We rarely ever regret having them (but often regret avoiding them)
Your Scare Your Soul Challenge for the Week: The Tough Talk Challenge
Your mission this week (should you choose to accept it):
Identify that ONE conversation you've been avoiding
Write it down (make it real)
Schedule it within the next 72 hours (before your brain can talk you out of it)
Show up (physically and emotionally)
Be honest (even if your voice shakes)
Trust the process (and the person)
Need a conversation starter?
Try this: "I've been wanting to talk to you about something important, and I've been nervous about having this conversation. But here goes..."
Will your heart race? Probably.
Will you stumble over your words? Maybe.
Will the world end? Definitely not.
Will it change your life?
There's only one way to find out.
Remember, courage isn't about not being scared. It's about being scared and showing up anyway.
Your voice might shake, but shake it can still speak truth.
With courage, coffee, and slightly sweaty palms,
P.S. Already had your pivotal conversation? Share your story in the comments. Your courage might be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.
Cleveland Area Friends
Join me for a transformational workshop that will push comfort zones and connect you with others! Click here to register!
When: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM / Book signing and mingling afterwards
Where: Hedge Gallery, 78th Street Studios (second floor)
Cost: $25 (includes immersive experience, networking, snacks, mocktails & soft drinks)
Limited Capacity: Only 100 spots available!
