As a young girl, I would adventure around whatever neighborhood we lived in, as we moved from one military base to another. Often, I’d lead my brother to places we probably weren’t supposed to go, with our only rule to “be home by dinner.”
My brother and I were, and are, voracious readers. Mythology is a common interest we both share, though mine was literal and his was through comics. Saturday mornings, our interests would align as we’d watch cartoons where modern mythological stories would play out on the screen.
It was those early adventures, and stories of goddesses, heroines, and superheroes, that likely spawned my dream of being an Amazon. Not Wonder Woman, as I couldn’t see myself in her. But a woman warrior, independent and capable of defending herself and those that need defending.
I never did grow to the height of an Amazon (though 4” heels certainly help). While my outer visage might not be that of an Amazon, there was never any doubt in my mind – or those around me – that I had the heart of a warrior.
I’ve written quite a bit about things we do to sabotage ourselves, such as negative self-talk. I write because I am not immune. Somewhere along the way, my inner Amazon took a back seat. She was quieted. When I look at what’s happening to women around the world, I don’t think I’m alone.
We all have an inner Amazon. How do we free her and realize our power? By facing our fears.
The myth of fear
I love the Amazons of the Justice League Snyder’s Cut. There is an amazing scene where Hippolyta orders the Amazons to show Steppenwolf their fear. In unison, they yell back “WE HAVE NO FEAR!”
It still gives me goose bumps to think of it and oh how it calls to me. Not because I have no fear, but because I want to look it in the face and refuse to let it conquer me.
Out of context, we may think Amazons have no fear, but that’s not true. In an earlier scene, you see one of them approaching the mother box with trepidation. She knows what’s likely to come out of it.
There is fear there. Recognition of danger. Instead of letting it stop them, Amazons put fear aside to fight. To protect each other and mankind. They turn fear into fuel.
Source: Spring day will come on Tumblr
Face the illusion
There are very real dangers and things to fear in the world. However, most of us do not face monsters and fight to save the planet on the regular.
During the course of any given day, fear may hold us back or redirect us. It’s often the thing that keeps us silent. Keeps us from pursuing opportunities. Or making that first step.
False evidence appearing real. As I look to address self-doubt, negative self-talk, or even just hesitancy to “do the thing”, I find myself regularly saying it out loud. Whether I’m by myself or in conversation and realizing something is holding me back.
It has become a mantra of sorts. It reminds me to look further to find what’s really driving me. What is the story I’m telling myself that’s keeping me from moving forward?
Rarely is it true. Instead, it’s often a false narrative or perception. I worry it’s Medusa, ready to turn me to stone. But if I mirror back and challenge the illusion, it’s turned to rubble.
Put fear into perspective
Fear is healthy. Historically, it kept us alive when we were faced with very real threats in our environment. It is natural and necessary. For the times we live in, however, it is also over-developed.
While to fear is to be human, to let fear rule us is not a requirement. It is not is a pass to sit on the sidelines. Fear is not a reason to hold back from engaging, trying, or moving forward.
When we feel that hesitancy to act or to try something new, we can put fear into perspective.
Most people and experiences are not a creature from another world attempting to destroy us. While some new things may be life-threatening (I won’t be jumping out of planes anytime soon), how often is the thing we fear fatal? Or even likely?
To gain perspective, we can ask ourselves a few questions.
- What is the worst that could happen? I often hear or tell myself “I could get fired”
- How likely is it to occur? If we are considering breaking the law, very. Otherwise?
- If it’s likely, what can I do to decrease that possibility?
- If not, what is the more likely thing to happen? For me, I find it’s a bruised ego from having to admit a mistake or failed attempt.
- Even if something bad happens, what good can come out of it? If we are busy feeding the fear, we can rarely see the growth even an attempt can bring.
Fear aware, not fearless
If we allow fear to prevent us from trying new things or pushing ourselves, we will be safe. We won’t fall down or make as many mistakes.
However, if we never fall down, we aren’t learning our true limits and potential. Each time we fall down, we learn. We fall down less in one area, and then fall down in the next. It pushes out our areas of knowledge, expertise, and ability. But only if we are willing to try.
We can be aware of the fear, and that it’s (mostly) an illusion. Even if the thing we fear happens, we may learn more from that poor outcome than success.
We don’t become successful from feeding fear. We find success by pushing through it. When the Amazons realized danger was coming, they were not immune to fear. They used it as fuel.
To embrace our inner Amazon, we do not have to be fearless. We can acknowledge our trepidation, put it aside, and yell out “WE HAVE NO FEAR” before jumping in.
