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Sometimes You Have To Take The Plunge

6/9/2014

8 Comments

 
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I have a confession to make.

I was afraid.

Not just "kinda afraid" or a "little uncomfortable"--no, I mean really, uncomfortably scared.

I almost drowned as a child and spent five days trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina so as a result of those experiences,  I developed a fear of water--especially being submerged or having my face wet--and thanks to my ordeal with Katrina--a fear of thunderstorms as well. So when I embarked on my latest adventure in my journey to #liveboldly--trying my hand at modeling--imagine my shock and surprise when the photographers at the weekend photo shoot wanted me to get in the water. But not just get in--go ALL in and UNDER!

So here I am, dressed in a bikini (which in and of itself was a battle overcome), surrounded by five photographers who were waiting expectantly for me to get in the water so they could get their next shot.

I had a decision to make:

  1. I could refuse and back out.
  2. I could straighten my shoulders, grit my teeth and take the plunge.

In a split second I made my decision. I chose option 2.

Don't get me wrong--that wasn't an easy decision by any stretch of the imagination. There was an internal battle waging between my head and my emotions somewhere down in the pit of my stomach where the forces clashed and jockeyed for position---but I had to determine if I was going to let my fears govern how far I could climb in life, or if I was going to make that determination for myself.

I realized that if I continued to stand down and back away each time I confronted a fear, that I would forever be at their mercy. There would be no way that I could rise above and beyond them to truly be the creator of my success. Instead, I would remain a victim of my circumstances.

After years of being defined and confined by my fears and limited by the choices that I made as a result, I was finally ready to make a decision (and honor it with action) by saying "no more" and taking the plunge--literally.

I would like to say that I entered the water boldly and confidently--after all, this was a big moment for me. But in reality,  I entered cautiously--feeling my way forward gingerly one step at a time to be sure of my footing as I traveled further into the lake and the water rose higher up my body.

Just because you make a life-changing decision doesn't mean the fear goes away or you suddenly develop the strength of ten lions--plus two. Those thoughts and emotions are still with you. You just have to keep moving and keep acting in spite of what you think or how you feel.

So when I finally reached the point in the water where I had to duck under the water, I stalled. It was cold. I was freezing. I thought I saw "thingies" swimming by. There were a million reasons why I told myself it would be okay not to go any further. I'd overcome a lot just by coming this far. I didn't have anything else to prove. No one would know.

But if I backed down, I knew I would know.  I wouldn't let me get past it--and the next time I faced a crossroads it would be easier to give in and go backwards.

So I took a deep breath and took the plunge.  I went under the surface of the water and sat there for a moment, taking it all in and realizing that I was doing it. That thing that I was afraid of. I WAS DOING IT!

Then I V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-L-Y came up out of the water, turned to the cameras  and gave a knowingly triumphant smile.

The photographers loved it, but more importantly, I loved myself for facing another fear and taking the plunge to #liveboldly instead of retreating.

What are you holding onto? What actions and dreams do you want to take but are letting fear, doubt and excuses prevent you from claiming what is yours? Release it. Become Ready to make your decision and honor those decisions with action. Take the plunge with me and #liveboldly.
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8 Comments
Donloyn LeDuff Gadson link
6/9/2014 11:24:11 am

Yes!!! I love this! Live boldly! Take the plunge! Yes!

Reply
Keisha A. Rivers-Shorty
6/9/2014 04:02:56 pm

Thanks so much Donloyn!

Reply
V~
6/10/2014 02:46:09 am

Brings me to tears... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Reply
Lenora Brown
6/10/2014 07:24:30 am

I am so proud of you for over coming your fears.

Reply
Creative Events By Dennis
6/10/2014 10:29:28 am

Thanks for sharing this will help so many folks in many different ways. May God continue to bless You spiritually, financially, and emotionally!!!!!!

Reply
Khetnu link
6/10/2014 10:51:27 am

Awesome share......#theboldandthebeautiful

Reply
WOW, Just fabulous!!!!
6/10/2014 12:15:21 pm

Reply
Tracy - The Résumé Workshop link
6/10/2014 08:10:15 pm

What a story. Its wonderful to learn that you faced your fear and took the plunge. There was some obstacles that you had to overcome and you did it, what a wonderful lesson to share. Your journey to take the plunge took only a second to conquer and will impact future decisions for the rest of your life. Kudos to you and thank you for sharing. Now, let me go face one of my fears (being camera shy), I'm now inspired and I have Keisha to thank you for this...

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    Keisha A. Rivers Shorty, Strategist, Consultant, Speaker and Author.  

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