What is your bear, the fear that holds you paralyzed stopping you from living your life your way?  You have often thought about being and living differently.  And every time you think about the changes required to live differently, you are almost choked by the huge that fear rises up from your solar plexus.

Are you a solo (divorced, single, widowed) boomer woman who yearn to travel, dine, shop, go to operas, plays and so much more, but don’t because you’re solo? You believe that is it unseemly and unsafe for a solo lady to travel alone. You’ve been warmed of the dangers, so you stay put.

I enjoy walking every morning around my neighborhood. Returning from my walk, I opened an email from the Home Owners Association Office that said, “the bear is still in the community.” Now for me, this was quite a shocker! What bear? How long has the bear been here, has the bear seen me walking and is it safe to walk? What would I do if I see the bear?

As a boomer woman like you, my fears surfaced and I was paralyzed. I know (because I’ve been told) that bears are dangerous and that it is unsafe to be in their territory. Stay away or the bears will attack!

The first day after reading this email I didn’t go for my walk. All I could think about was the BEAR in the community and the what ifs. I spent the day going from front to back looking out the windows looking for the bear! This was not a comfortable feeling for me, I felt like a hostage in my own home.

How much time do you spend second guessing yourself? You research every thing, every little nuance you can find to support you in your desire to face or embrace the fear. And you’re still uncomfortable!

The next day, I decided that I had walked before hearing about the bear and nothing happened so I would start walking again. I left out that morning with a great show of bravado, walking in the middle of the street, my head on a swivel, and looking all around. I didn’t see the bear! All my fears were unfounded.

Making that decision gave me the freedom to continue with my life. I wish that freedom for you boomer woman; the freedom to do all that you desire, creating your solo lifestyle of confidently and fearlessly traveling, dining, shopping, going to operas, theaters and doing whatever makes your hear sing.

What bear (fear) are you facing and how will you get through it?