What Would You Do...?

"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

This is one of my favorite questions to consider, and now, also to pose. It's such an incredible way of demonstrating how our fears [of failure] prevent us from doing any number of things, and get us thinking about all the things we'd like to do in our lives.

So, what would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Fear of failure is one of my biggest fears in life, as well as fear of myself -- reaching my full potential, becoming a fully-realized being, completely stepping into the roles God has called me to fill, things like that. These two together prevent me from finishing almost as many projects as I start, and also keep me from allowing myself to even begin some I may really want to pursue. It's something I'm trying to work on, but it's certainly not easy.

One of the best ways for me to get over these crippling and ridiculous fears is to say, "SCREW IT! Screw everyone and everything! I'm not here to live for everyone else or anyone other than God, so why should I fear their judgement or my own? Would I rather not try anything because I'm scared I won't be good at it or people will laugh at me, or would I rather go down trying!?" I remind myself that one of the greatest ways to learn and become a better person is through trying and failing, and that the lessons and insight gained through trying new things is immeasurably greater than any involved risk. The answer, when asked in such a way and combined with the former reasoning, is always an equally as strong and resounding, "Yeah! SCREW IT!"

Of course this doesn't always convince me to pursue whatever it is I might have been considering, but I did start my first book, upload a video to YouTube, make a new website, and try to start singing and dancing in public (as I walk along the streets) more often. I've even gotten better about expressing my honest emotions to people that matter most, and am trying to step into the role I feel God has called me to fill in life. So, even though I might not be skydiving or bungee jumping (fear of falling) just yet, and I'm still not posting a lot of the things I start writing about, I am trying to chip away at these fatal-to-my-happiness fears.

So, what would I do if I knew I could not fail?

I'd probably write far more often than I do.

I'd definitely publish a lot of the writings I start and save.

I'd publish my journals as books instead of thinking, "Who would actually read that?"

I'd format my blog more like my journals, in that my conversations with God would be open to all.

I'd sing out loud when in a setting that encourages me to do so, and volunteer to do so in other situations.

I'd have spoken far more of the Italian I know than I did when I was there.

I'd take many more plunges into projects, companies and positions I'd love to fill.

I'd be more comfortable with compliments that are spoken to my face.

I'd get certified in massage therapy and yoga.

I'd have gone to Asia with a backpack on over a year ago.

I'd finish my book.

I'd write fiction.

I'd paint.

I'd write songs.

I'd publish my poetry.

I'd do more adrenaline sports.

I'd dance more freely. (Which to those who have danced with me might think isn't possible, but I assure you, there's so much I hold back.)

I'd let my emotions control me a little more than I do [in front of others]. (Also, strangely still possible.)

I'd let my friends and family see me cry.

I'd look for an instructor/guide/person and start rock climbing. (Not really scared of this one, just haven't gotten around to it yet because I just moved continents..)

I'd be stronger when I say "no" in certain situations, and more open with my "I love you"'s.

I'd tell the people of the opposite sex exactly how I feel to their faces, instead of sending it in letters.

I'd believe in myself and allow myself to believe I am the woman people describe me as.

I'd trust myself as much as I try to trust others.

I'd be more consistently conscious.

This is only the list of things that came to my mind as I was writing just now. Imagine how many more there would be had I planned this post out ahead of time? How many more will come to me as I think about this question as my family and I drive to Reno right now? I mean, that is a LONG list, and I tend to think I live my life quite fully! I can't even imagine how many more things would be on that list had I not been living the way I have been the last years! Wow, my gosh! I feel so empowered now!!! YEEESS!!!!!

So you see, there is SO MUCH we would do if we knew we couldn't fail! I dare you to make your own list, and then try to check one thing off it every month. And if that seems too ambitious, then every two or three months. Certain things like "write a book" or anything that would have taken place in the past clearly are more difficult to accomplish in a month, if at all, but so much can be done to change the things we'll put on this list the next time we decide to write it! Don't allow yourself to allow this list to be that long. Instead, let's work on lengthening our lists of Things We've Done and Loved, Accomplishments, Things To Be Proud Of, and etc! Come on humanity! It's time to start maximizing our lives!!

I hope you're feeling like a rockstar, ready to take the stage of life and smash down some awesomeness all around! You are fully capable of doing anything you put your mind to! And I'd be willing to bet, so much of what we put on our list are things we know and believe we can do, as well as feel we're meant to! Those ones, above all else, should not be left undone! Let's start checking things off this list, and filling up those more positive and encouraging ones! YAY!

Sending so much love and light to you all, as well as blessings and endless amounts of wonder!

I love you, Family!

-Allie-Sun <3