MY YEAR OF BEING BOLD

My word of the year is bold. While I didn’t talk about it in my goal post, I have shared my struggles with fear and how I didn’t want to do that anymore. I have a tendency, both professionally and personally, to downplay myself, whether that’s my skills, ability, or opinions. Then I beat myself up when I replay and analyze my day. So it was important to me when deciding on what my word would be, it would be something that I aspire to be. Now that we’ve made it past the half year mark, I want to talk about where I am on my journey to be bold.

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PHOTOS BY: DORESE JENAE PORTRAITS

WHAT BEING BOLD MEANS TO ME

Bold became my word of the year because I wanted to really show up as my full self in every space I occupied, which meant showing up as my authentic self. While I have spaces where I can be my authentic self, there are many spaces I’m still navigating on how to do just that. In addition to showing up as my authentic self, being bold means being more decisive and taking more risks. Now, I’m not risk averse. I like to believe that I take more risks than the average person, but sometimes when it comes to making big, risky decisions, I find myself in analysis paralysis.

But that’s not what life is about, right? It’s about embracing the scary. People who have made history or changed the world have been scared and done it anyways. Also, taking action that will make a difference in your own life or in the world around you. It can lead to personal growth, new opportunities, and the ability to overcome challenges.

WHAT I’M DOING TO BE BOLDER

FACE MY FEARS

I’ve already identified that sometimes I’m paralyzed by the fear of starting, fear of failing, and fear of other people’s opinions. Increasing my efforts to confront them by continuing to step out of my comfort zone. I know that the more that I do this, I build my confidence in my abilities and continue to take more risks.

PRACTICE ASSERTIVENESS

I’ve always had an issue with expressing myself, but since starting therapy, I have gotten better at expressing myself and being vulnerable with the people I love. To get bolder, I need to continue working on expressing my thoughts, needs, and boundaries and assert myself. In the end, I know this will help build my confidence and overcome the fear of rejection.

BE GENTLE AND COMPASSIONATE WITH MYSELF

In all my efforts to be bold this year, I know that I won’t always get it right. So being gentle, kind, and compassionate with myself when I face setbacks will help me bounce back from setbacks with renewed courage.