Gina Mollicone Long | The Blog
19 August 2006
FEAR
Being Fearless is something that I often write and speak about. The true definition of Fearless is "free from fear" instead of "without fear". There is a big difference. Being fearless doesn't mean that you ignore your fear, or get rid of it or even "overcome it". Being fearless simply means that you acknowledge your fear and do what you want to do ANYWAY. Many of you already have seen the video of my fearlessness on one such occasion when I bungy jumped 134m in New Zealand (wowwee).
Last week, I learned something new about fear while I was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. I am still afraid of heights. No amount of bungy jumping will ever "cure" that fear. However, I am committed to being present to my fear such that I am still able to experience my life to the fullest. For those of you who have hiked the Inca Trail, you are quite familiar with the 1000+m drop-offs and complete absence of anything resembling a guard rail. Needless to say, my fear was quite present for most of the hike. At one point there was this path to a platform overlooking a tremendous river gorge. I just plowed up there because I was determined not to let my fear stop me. However, I didn't really take the time to acknowledge my fear; instead I just ignored it. Not a good thing. I have never in my life been so scared then when I was coming down from this platform. I hadn't properly acknowledged my fear and was now paying an enormous price. It felt horrible. Nothing like that bungy jump.
Fast forward a few days and I find myself staring up Huyana Picchu which is a super-steep mountain that overlooks the city of Machu Picchu. The hike up this thing makes that platform look as flat as the prairies of Saskatchewan. I really wanted to do it but again I didn't really acknowledge how scared I was. About halfway up it hit me. It is ok to be scared. The fear signal was just that - a signal. It was a signal that I needed to work something out. This time, I heeded my signal and began the excruciating climb down. Safe and sound at the bottom, I had a lot of time to think about fear and taking care of myself. I had a lot of time to think about how I hadn't really listened to or acknowledged myself. I had definitely not honoured myself. This was a big lesson and one I will not easily forget. As for Machu Picchu - WOW. If you ever get the chance to go, don't hesitate - even without the guardrails!
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