Feel the fear and do it anyway
- Susan Mann
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
When has fear held you back? Imagine the last time you felt anxious or afraid and the discomfort prevented you from taking a risk. What did you miss as a result? Last month my husband Chuck Bergman and I went on safari in Kenya, facing big fears head on to make the most of our experience.
To get to the Maasai Mara Reserve we had to take a one-hour flight from Nairobi in a Twin Otter that holds only 18 passengers. I’ve had a fear of flying, especially in small planes, for decades. I’ve found ways to cope when flying in jets, but the idea of getting in this prop plane really had me worked up.
I recalled reading Susan Jeffers’ classic Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway many years ago. It was a game-changer for me. Sitting in the small airport, waiting to board the little Twin Otter, Jeffers’ words came back to me: “Say YES to life. Participate. Move. Act. Do whatever it takes for you. Saying YES is the antidote to our fear.”
I slowed my breathing and climbed up the metal steps into the plane. Asked my husband to hold my hand during takeoff. Reminded myself that flying is a very safe form of travel. Focused my energy on drafting this post during the flight. Next thing I knew, I was looking out the window at spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. Then, we made it: safe landing on a short dirt airstrip. No problem!
Early in our nine-day stay at the amazing Angama Mara Safari Camp (highly recommend!) we noticed hot air balloons rising at dawn. It looked like fun and I asked Chuck if he wanted to do it. The quick reply, “No way! You know I’m afraid of heights.” I respected his choice, but felt a bit disappointed.
A few days went by, we watched more balloons floating up at dawn, and Chuck changed his mind. “I NEVER thought I’d say this, but let’s go up in the balloon. I can do it!”
We booked the flight and enjoyed a gorgeous balloon ride drifting quietly above the Mara River – watching hippos and elephants. What a rush!
Chuck and I feel proud and happy that we faced our fears and made the most of our time in Kenya.
In my coaching practice, I’m in conversation often with people who are afraid of asking for the promotion, leaving the job they hate, disagreeing with their boss, looking for work after getting laid off, starting a new business, and so much more.
My advice: Don’t let fear hold you back. Be brave. Find ways to face your fears, to navigate and live your life well. Do what's important and precious to you, even when it scares the shXt out of you. That’s what I’m trying to do!
PS – Wholehearted thanks to the teams at Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Angama Mara Safari, and Governors Balloon Safaris for your warmth and expertise in creating one of the best adventures we’ve ever had.
Copyright Susan Mann LLC and Charles Bergman.
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