Recently I came across a Zig Ziglar quote that sums up, in my opinion, our greatest threat – FEAR.

“Fear has two meanings: ‘Fear Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, rise.

Fear comes in all shapes and sizes. Tangible. Invisible. Smothering. Stifling. Paralyzing. It blocks our moves, tackles our thoughts. From mundane to monstrous, fear drives us to lock our secrets, real feelings, authenticity in a box of silence. Fear of letting go, speaking up, showing vulnerability, no longer accepting the unacceptable, saying no, making a career change, making change of any kind…fear holds us hostage.

The list goes on and on. I speak from experience. My fears came true:
•    having difficult conversations with bosses, colleagues, family and friends
•    divorce and becoming a single mom
•    leaving a job, raising the white flag, accepting the time had come
•    worrying about where my next paycheck would come from
•    trusting again, loving again
•    setting boundaries, saying no
•    exposing my soul through writing, speaking, storytelling

I now know that enduring these trials was necessary to change the course of my life, to free myself from fear, to heal the drought in my soul…to thrive. For nearly 40 years of my life, I chose to run. Today, I choose to rise.

Many women made history when they chose to rise:
•    Joan of Arc – believed God called on her to lead France to victory in a long war with England.
•    Susan B. Anthony – fought for women’s right to vote
•    Harriet Tubman – led 300 people to freedom from slavery through The Underground Railroad
•    Rosa Parks – refused to leave her seat on the bus
•    Amelia Earhart – took her first record-breaking flight

Can you imagine if these bold women had chosen to ‘fear everything and run?’

Today, honor yourself and those who came before you. Reach out for support and have someone hold you accountable to make necessary changes. Take one little step each day. Each step makes you stronger, more courageous. You’ll be amazed at what you learn about yourself and the doors that mindset will open. Each step will lighten your load. And when you see you’re living proof, pay it forward. Inspire someone else to rise, not run. Women, rise!

What step will you take today to ‘Face Everything and Rise’?