It was a beautiful, warm day in San Diego, and I was excited to have a lesson on my new mare, Star. As soon as my trainer asked us to trot, Star stopped. Nothing I did could make her move, and after a few minutes, I burst into tears. Here I was, an almost 40-year-old woman, crying on my new horse that wouldn't budge. My trainer had to get on, and I felt the heat of embarrassment rise as everyone watched. Like many with anxiety and fear, embarrassment often adds to the discomfort and can be debilitating.
I believe there are ways to overcome embarrassment and stay focused on confidence and courage.
Here are my 3 favorite tips:
1. Don't Worry About Other People's Opinions:
Everyone has their own issues. My fear and anxiety over not getting my horse to move were enough. The embarrassment stemmed from worrying about what others thought, which didn't help fix the issue. Once you embrace that their opinions don't matter, you can let it go. Picture yourself in the middle of a disco ball, with others' thoughts bouncing off the mirrors back at them. Focus on taking care of yourself and overcoming your fear and anxiety.
2. Use the embarrassment to fuel your confidence:
We are energy. Feelings of fear and anxiety, topped with embarrassment, are just energy we can use to stand taller and know we're on the right path. On that day with my new mare, I used my anxiety, fear, and embarrassment to get back on her, sit taller in the saddle, and ended up having a great ride. Positive energies have more power than negative ones, so once we start, it becomes easier to grow into confidence.
3. be grateful for the embarrassment:
This isn't always easy, but it's powerful. Be grateful for friends and people who care about you. If you didn't have people that mattered to you, you wouldn't feel embarrassed. I was grateful for my friends encouraging me and my trainer helping me get unstuck. Look back at the last time you felt embarrassed and find things to be grateful for. It's rewarding.
Summary: Don't worry about others' opinions, use the energy as fuel, and be grateful.
These tips can help you deal with anxiety and fear without the added burden of embarrassment.
That sinking feeling when fear takes over in front of others? It doesn’t have to be your reality. Imagine handling those moments with calm confidence instead of embarrassment. Let’s explore how you can break free from fear and step into courage. I’ve helped others turn fear into confidence, and I’d love to see if I can help you too. Schedule your free chat here
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