This, This is where it all ends.

December: An End and A Beginning

December is a paradoxical month, known for its frosty weather and warm sentiments, a time of ending and beginnings. As the twelfth and final chapter of the year it marks the conclusion of the past 365 days, a time to reflect on our triumphs, trials, and tribulations.

However, the end is not simply a farewell, it signifies the dawn of something new. December, with its festive ambiance and hope-filled air, also stands as a doorway to a brand-new year. As we bid goodbye to 2023, we simultaneously welcome a fresh start with January and the new year of 2024, infused with opportunities and potential around every corner.

Our society has intuitively understood this balance of endings and beginnings that December brings. It's no coincidence that we celebrate New Year's Eve in December, a symbolic ritual denoting the death of the old and the birth of the new. This period allows us to both look back with gratitude and look forward with hope, creating the perfect environment for self-reflection and goal-setting.

So, as we enter December, let us remember that every end is a new beginning in disguise. Let's celebrate our journey, learn from our past, and step into the new year with optimism, ready to write the next chapter of our story.

The bigger take away here is not however just in the old year, the new year, and all the years in between. Instead though, that waking up today is just as much of a gift as rolling into the new year. Waking up today is your opportunity to grab the potential that today holds. Waking up today is a gift which in itself was not a promise. So while do indeed welcome to changing year, the fresh start, the new beginnings. Remember that we also get to live in that way each and every day…

FEAR

/fir/

noun

an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

"he is prey to irrational fears"

noun

be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening.

"farmers fear that they will lose business"

What is fear to you?

How do you handle fear? How do you overcome from fear? How do you grow through fear? How do you choose to not feel fear?

In my eyes, fear is one of the choices that we forget is a choice at all. Trying to figure out what we are truly afraid of and why?

Skydiving for instance.

Are you afraid of skydiving or are you afraid of the parachute not opening, are you afraid of where you may land, are you afraid of how you will land? Personally, when it comes to skydiving, it’s just not on my bucket list so I don’t have that fear. Would I be scared though? I guess that’s the question. If I have someone I trust packing the chute, then no. I trust the equipment, I trust the chute packer (is that a job title? “Hi, my name is Mark, I’m a professional chute packer!”) I trust that I will land somewhere with my chute open. With that, the only time I will be doing so is if the plane is heading toward the ground at a rate to which jumping out makes better sense.

Anyway, all that being said, I do have one fear. It’s a choice for sure. Because it’s hippos. That’s right, not hippies, hippos! (hey, it’s worth searching on your own)

Look at that thing! I choose to be afraid of that. No changing my mind. I accept the choice that this creature, as beautiful as it is with all of its might, is a killer. I will approach a lion in the wild before I will get into a canoe where there are hippos. And the crazy thing, what is on my bucket list is to kayak in the early morning with a pod of wild killer whales, no fear there. Go figure.

For real! It’s a thing! LOL

Megan L: Travel abroad

Glenn MC: Sleep soundly

Morgan P: Take a trip on an airplane

Delaine B: Scuba drive again

Claire C: Climb something high

Emilie S: Sky dive

Heather V: Climb something high and scary without worrying about the heights

Becky C: Skydive

Tammy L: Jump into a big cat cage

Nate D (S): Probably cry tears of joy

Doc W: I'd go wild and not make sure I have back ups of almost every tool, equipment and the like. Live like a pirate with only one set of everything. wild side! 

Shawn S: Send it on my bike again

Mandy M: Make an only fans account and make that money

Caissy P: Road trip

Paul M: Big mountain ski in Alaska

Mish K: Nothing - I have pushed past my fears to do the things I’ve always wanted to do! (Don’t misunderstand me, I sobbed my way through a million experiences in my life with the absolute terror filling my soul )

Michelle P: Live like a normal person again

Fear is a choice - understanding the power of our own thoughts and emotions

Think about this for a moment. If fear is a choice, then so is courage, bravery and all those warm, fuzzy feelings we get when we conquer our fears. It all comes down to the power of our thoughts and emotions. So the next time fear creeps up on you, can you remind yourself that you have the power to choose a different direction. After all, there's no harm in being a little fearless. Start small. For instance, let’s go back to skydiving, grab a sheet and jump off the sofa. Sheet filling with air above your head.

Is that or is that not, sky diving? YOU DID IT!

Avoiding them only makes them bigger and scarier in our minds. So why not face them head on? Sure, it might be terrifying at first, but isn't the feeling of accomplishment worth it in the end? Plus, think of all the cool stories you'll have to tell at your next dinner party. So the next time you find yourself itching to run from your fears, just remember: facing them is way more rock-and-roll than hiding under the covers. If you end up in the ER though, I never told you any of this! HAHAHA

One last piece

What are you truly afraid of? So many times I believe it’s the out come. And moving into a new year, maybe now is the time to be okay with any outcome, good or bad?

Let’s call a spade a spade, failure sucks. No one enjoys falling short of a goal and having to pick themselves back up. But here's the thing, failure is essential to personal and professional growth. Without it, how would we learn what doesn't work? How would we ever improve? Oprah Winfrey once said, "Failure is just another way to guide you along your path." So next time you fall short, embrace it. Use it as a chance to learn, to grow, and to make your eventual success that much sweeter. Plus, think of all the great stories you'll have to tell at dinner parties.

Anyway, some tips to overcoming fear.

1. Harness the Power of Visualization: Picture your fear as a grumpy old troll beneath a bridge. Now imagine yourself as an intrepid adventurer, armed with the sword of courage and the shield of resilience. Pass that bridge and don't let the troll stop you!

2. Stay in the Now: Fear often likes to project us into a disastrous future. Keep it at bay by practicing mindfulness. It's like keeping your fear on a strict "only present" diet.

3. Deep Breaths Are Your Ally: When fear mounts an attack, retaliate with a slow, deep breath. It's the calming cup of tea for your nervous system.

4. Speak to Your Fear: Having a chit-chat with your fear might sound odd, but it's a great way of understanding it. Ask it why it's there, what it wants. You might just find it's more scared of you than you are of it!

5. Celebrate Small Victories: Each time you face a fear and survive, throw a party in your mind. This will remind your fear that you're not an easy target.

6. Find Support: It's always helpful to have someone who understands and supports you through your fears. Seek out a friend, family member, or therapist who can help guide you through the process.

7. Keep a Fear Journal: Writing down your fears and experiences can be therapeutic and help you gain perspective. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on your progress and identify any patterns or triggers.

8. Challenge Your Thoughts: Remember that fear is often based on irrational thoughts and beliefs. Question the validity of your fears and challenge them with evidence and logic.

9. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These can help reduce the physical symptoms of fear and promote a sense of calm.

10. Be Kind to Yourself: It's important to be patient and understanding with yourself as you face your fears. Remember that progress takes time and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Be gentle and compassionate towards yourself throughout the journey.

In concluding this, I do however want to remind you of one thing. It’s okay to be scared or afraid. After all, if we weren’t originally afraid of a T-rex, none of us would be here?

I believe in you,

~Tim