A few weeks ago, I resurrected my blog to share a very personal story and life lesson that I learned about choosing not to settle. However, I almost backed out of the whole thing because I was PETRIFIED of what would happen after I shared my story. I was so scared people would judge me for breaking off my engagement, or that people would think I should just keep my personal business to myself and not on the innanets. I had to work really hard to not feed into that fear because, despite what I was feeling, I knew that there was a possibility that I could help someone.

Confirmation

I cannot thank y’all enough for all of your kind words and support in response to  sharing a little piece of me with you.  I’ve had friends, family, and complete strangers share with me how my post really helped confirm and validate the feelings they were already having. Now they know that it is okay, and well worth it, to not settle just so you can settle down.

This one post received over 1200 views – probably more than I’ve ever received on all my previous blog posts combined! I was not expecting such a positive response from everyone, so I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I’m just so happy that I was able to help at least one person.  It really brought me to tears to know that I was able to reach people with my words beyond just using them as a lawyer. I honestly didn’t think I had the power to move people in this way until now, so thank you! It brings me so much joy and comfort to know that I made the right choice in sharing my story.

The Risk is Worth It

This is just one example of what happens when we move past fear and lean into faith. We spend so much time worrying and being scared that we miss out on so many blessings, both big and small. As I continue my healing journey, I have learned to practice compassion with myself. But ever so often, I get down on myself and think of all the choices I would have made differently for my life had I chosen faith and not fear.

Although I’ve forgiven myself for the mistakes I’ve made in my past, I now realize that the regret that comes with opting out of certain opportunities because of fear is not something I am willing to live with. I would rather take the risk and fail than to live my life in fear, wondering what would have happened had I not been so scared.

Share Your Gifts!

I hope this example also shows you that sometimes you must overcome your fears to help others. Sometimes it’s not even about you – it’s about what’s within you that can help someone else. When you lean into your fears and don’t fulfill your purpose, you’re not only hurting yourself, you’re also hurting others who could have been blessed by the magic you’re too scared to share. Yesterday in church, my pastor caught me way off guard when he said “Sister Ashley, someone’s life depends on the gifts God has given you.” We all have a purpose for our lives and the world is dependent on us realizing it and allowing our lights to shine. We owe it to ourselves and to the world to stop giving fear so much power over our lives. We only have this one life. Why live it in fear?

With this new season, I am making a commitment to myself to stop leaning into fear and allowing it to run my life. From here on out, I will do my best to choose faith, knowing that what God has for me is for ME and that everything will be okay, and sometimes it will be absolutely amazing!!!

xoxo Ashley