Over the weekend I did something I never thought I’d be able to do. I performed on a stage in front of almost six-hundred people…. twice!

In high school, a friend convinced me to audition with her for the school musical. We practiced and practiced, and when the day came, and we had to line up to audition, my heart rate sky rocketed, my stomach began to flip, and my palms grew sweaty. The thought of singing in front of someone made me feel sick and I didn’t go through with it. I left my friend to fend for herself and lived the rest of my life wishing I’d had the courage to step into that room, sing my heart out, and push myself to step out of my comfort zone.

Fast forward sixteen years. A friend of mine puts up a post wondering if anyone would be interested in going to dance classes with her. I was quick to jump on board and we both signed up to begin hip hop and contemporary dancing. I was then presented with the opportunity to redeem myself for chickening out of the musical audition, when the dance school announced they were hosting their yearly dance concert. The thought of going on stage made me sick to my stomach all over again, and I was taken back to the day I bailed on my friend. I refused to let myself be beaten by nerves, and with the support of an amazing group of ladies, I found the courage to not only step onto the stage under the bright lights and in front of all of those people, but to also relax and enjoy every moment.

I could never have imagined I’d actually enjoy performing in front of an audience, but I did, and I’m so happy I was able to push through my nerves and face a fear and regret I’d been carrying for sixteen years.

“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.”
-Neil Gaiman

Do you have a regret or fear you wish you could face? Or have you faced a fear like I have? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.