In February 2019, we went on a weekend trip to West Edmonton Mall and spent a day at the waterpark.

There’s a zipline that goes across it, and my kids—8 and 10 years old at the time—and I decided to give it a go.

They weighed us, got us each into a harness, and then we stepped onto the top platform.

My heart was racing. I have a big fear of heights and I could feel the anxiety and fear rising.

The three of us were on the top platform, side by side, all buckled in and ready to go.

And just before they let us go, I said, “Whoa, whoa, no! Let me out. I can’t do this!”

Worker: “All three of you?”
Me: “Nope, just me.”
Worker: “So, you’re too scared to go and worried it’s not safe enough, but you’re okay letting your kids go?”
Me: “Yep. Their choice, not mine.”

I got out of the harness and walked back down. The kids still went and loved it.

And it became known as a story about how Mom was too scared to go on the zipline.

Seven years later, this past weekend, we went back to the same waterpark.

Before we even got there, the kids asked if I was going to do the zipline. I was determined to do it!

Partly because as they get older, I want to say yes to more of these kinds of experiences we can do together—it matters more to me now.

But mostly because it was a do-over and a chance to overcome my fear.

I decided upfront I was doing it no matter what.
We climbed the platform again and buckled up.
My heart was racing, but not nearly as much.

I repeated quietly to myself, I am safe. (It might seem silly, but that’s what calmed my mind.)

Kids: “Are you going to bail again?”
Me: “Nope. Not going to bail.”

Off we went. It was fun. And not nearly as bad as I’d made it out to be in my mind.

Nothing really changed except my perspective—and being willing to do something scary, even though it still felt scary.

We can let our fear and worry get the best of us in the bigger decisions—like making a career change or standing up for something you believe in.

But we also often let fear get the best of us in the smaller, everyday moments…

• Saying no to something you don’t really want to do

• Keeping a boundary even when someone might not like it

• Being present with your family in the evening instead of checking emails

• Taking time for yourself without feeling guilty

• Having a harder conversation because it’s important

• Speaking up in a meeting with a question or different perspective

Our minds can make things seem big and daunting or small and manageable.

And sometimes it is just scary, so don’t judge yourself for it. What might seem like a big deal to one person might seem like the easiest thing to someone else.

What does this look like in the everyday moments?

If saying no feels uncomfortable, remind yourself it’s not about letting someone down—it’s about honoring your values and capacity.

If holding a boundary between your work and personal time feels hard, remind yourself it protects your energy and time with the people who matter most.

If prioritizing your needs feels selfish, remember that you matter too and when you take care of yourself, you can show up for others in a better way.

Shift your perspective and connect with a reason ‘why’ that’s bigger than your fear. And if it matters to you, do it even if you’re scared.

Throughout the rest of the day, the kids kept laughing because on any water slide that felt a little extreme, I was standing there whispering, I’m safe, I’m safe, I’m safe.

They could see me mouthing the words and laughed, “Yeah, Mom, you’re safe.”

Sometimes, we do need to remind ourselves of that. Even if it seems a little silly.

And when you see it through, you might realize it wasn’t that scary after all.

Now, I wasn’t brave all day long. Later in the day, I walked up to the free-fall ride, looked down, and said, “Heck no.” 😂 That challenge will be for another day.

Sometimes, the fear still feels too big and it can hold you back. Don’t be hard on yourself—that never helps—but also don’t let it stop you if it’s important to you.

Ask yourself, What smaller step can I take forward? Or give it a try another day (maybe don’t wait seven years though).

That’s how you create meaningful change in your life, one bold choice at a time… even if it feels scary.

Be bold. What’s one thing you’ve been scared to do that matters to you, no matter how big or small? And what new perspective will help you see it through?

I’m here cheering you on!