Are your fears unfounded?

As I finish my third week of immersion French class, I wanted to share the surprising magic that has happened as a result of being here. First off, the lesson about unfounded fear. I think the reason I didn’t do this earlier (I’ve wanted to speak fluent French for most of my adult life) was because I’m busy and I have my own speaking business to run.  The fear spoke to me saying “How can you take three weeks off of work, who does that?” Well, that fear was unfounded. I actually didn’t take three weeks off. I was able to connect with prospects, answer back to agents about my availability, and actually booked three keynote speeches for US events happening later this year. So that fear was unfounded. The other fear was “What if you get lost? You’re alone. You’ve not been in Paris alone, how will you manage?” Thanks to my Frenchie, I was never alone. Yves sent emails to family and friends telling them I was coming for three weeks and if they were in town, feel free to reach out. And, reach out they did!  I’ve had dinner invitations, lunch invitations, party invitations, it’s been amazing. But, there is magic in looking beyond just overcoming fears. I think we focus too much on our fears that we don’t look beyond them. For example, because I am here without Yves, the conversations have been with me, in French. So not only did our circle of friends and family here see my progress, but they got to know me better because of more focused time. THAT was a bonus that I didn’t anticipate. Plus, I got to appreciate how much my husband is loved by his friends here. I’m learning more about him even though he is not here, and THAT is an unexpected bonus. Finally, the big one. Yes, my ultimate bucket list is to keynote events here in France. My friend here said he could get me work if I only spoke better French. I wouldn’t have to deliver my speech in French, I would just have to speak better in order to interact with his clients. So that’s why I’m here. He suggested I immerse myself in a course and I did. Then, magic happened. Because I’m here, someone reached out to me and told me about an event in May. Long story, but, I booked the keynote. Yes, I will be keynoting my first Paris conference! I’m convinced that wouldn’t have happened unless I was here. Here are the three things I want to leave you with on this Front-Row Friday:

 

1. Look at your bucket list – review what you really really want to accomplish in your life. 

2. Look at your fears that have held you back and ask yourself, if, in fact, those fears could be unfounded.

3. Take action on your goal and be open to the magic that will appear because you took action!

 

I can’t wait to hear about your success.  Keep me posted and enjoy today’s Front-Row Friday video!