When the fear swells up to meet you, do this

It will help you find your strength We were sitting at the entrance of the dark cavern deciding whether to enter the back room or not. I was all for it. It sounded like a fun adventure and our guide would steer us through with a flashlight. Elise had warned us that it was a dark and a little loud but it was a cool thing to do and we'd be fine. The timing was perfect with the low tide as the back room wasn't always open. We sat on our kayaks deciding. Savannah was an adamant no in the kayak beside me with Craig. She's definitely the more cautious of us all and she was doing pretty well just paddling her way in the ocean around the high cliffs of Santa Cruz island. The swell coming into the cave was a higher than we had experienced paddling around and the entrance was dark enough to slam down her comfort zones. But, Kalyra was on the edge of deciding. I saw she was at that place of really wanting to do it but the fear was controlling her decision. I trusted in the guide and conditions and knew that it was a safe move.  "What do you think, Kalyra, will we go in?" "Well, I really want to but I'm scared." "Remember all those roller coasters we've done lately and how scared you were to do them. You weren't even going to go on them because they looked so terrifying. But, then you did and you realized it wasn't that bad. you had so much fun that you went on them again and again This is just like that. The fear is painting a more ominous picture for you. ​​​​​​​It's safer and more fun than your mind is telling you. It's up to you but I think it will be just like those roller coasters. You'll end up loving it. And I think you'll regret it if you don't." She nodded, "Okay let's do it." Elise, our guide, asked if holding the flashlight would help her feel better. She took it and I paddled us into the back room. It was dark and noisy, but it was cool to go back into the smaller parts of the cavern these waves over thousands of years have created into the rock face of the island. ​​​​​​​Kalyra loved it although did reach the limit of how far she was prepared to go back. We experienced it and she learned a little more about fear and how to manage it. The back room was worth pushing those boundaries for. ​​​​​​​ When we paddled back out and the rolling swells came in to greet us, I was glad Savannah didn't come in as that would have sent her over the edge. ​​​​​​​ Next time that fear rises up to meet you and you have the opportunity to push those boundaries, allow your mind to remember a time before, when you felt the same fear but did it anyway, and what was the reward that came with it. ​​​​​​​ It will give you the strength to say yes and the confidence to know you can do it. Of course you can, you've done it before! Caz ​​​​​​​ P.S. ​​​​​​​Our sea kayak adventure yesterday in the Channel Islands National Park was incredible. It's one of my favorite travel experiences so far in the US. Blog post and video coming soon! In the meantime check out the latest ones below.  NEW ON THE BLOG How to slip into serenity at Lake Lure, NC Come and see why this is one of my favorite destinations in the US. It's my peaceful happy place. I have a love and connection here that goes beyond human understanding [Read More]( Follow the Elvis Presley Story in TN I've done this three times and LOVE it everytime. This time even more so as I took my parents to Graceland, Sun Studios and Studio B in Tennessee [Read More]( Need a beach vacay? Check out Gulf Shores Alabama We loved the laid back vibe in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama. Check out how cool it is, especially The Gulf - one of the best beach bars we've been to. [Read More]( The Gorgeous San Antonio River Walk This has to be one of the prettiest river walks (and cities) in the US. Have you been? [Read More]( NEW TRAVEL VIDEO The Ultimate Guide to Mall of America We're sharing the tips and attractions that will make your Mall of America stay amazing! [WATCH NOW]( If you wish to stop receiving our emails or change your subscription options, please [Manage Your Subscription]( Caroline Makepeace, PO Box 677, Cary, NC 27518