Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Letting Go of Fear Every Teeny Bit!

                Thejump_2

Chelsea, were you afraid?

No, not at all.

Not at all? Not even a tiny bit?

No, not even a tiny bit.

____________________________________________

With that I thought how would life be different if we weren’t afraid? Afraid of hurting someone? Afraid of failing? Afraid of getting hurt? Afraid of making a mistake.

What would I do…

Well I’d jump out of a plane if I knew it wouldn’t hurt not even a tiny bit.

____________________________________________

Chelsea, did it hurt?

No, not at all.

Not at all? Not even a tiny bit?

Okay maybe a teeny tiny bit.

I am not jumping.

What would you do if fear wasn’t in the way?

Photo: Chelsea after the jump. By French husband.

Comments

76 responses to “Letting Go of Fear Every Teeny Bit!”

  1. Paris Tart

    Gorgeous picture!!
    Brave girl!
    Maybe today I’ll fearlessly paint these black coffee cups…sounds so easy

    Reply
  2. Ben

    I can always count on you for grounding, inspiration,… and great video finds.
    It is really, really hard. But sometimes you just gotta let go of the fear. You just gotta let go. And see where you land.

    Reply
  3. Jeanne

    These young adults are amazing.
    Fabulous
    Beautiful family you have.
    You are truly blessed………
    They say we must face things that may challenge us head on.
    Way to go!

    Reply
  4. Carol

    What a sweetheart!

    Reply
  5. Chantal

    Isn’t Chelsea all radiant after her jump 🙂 If fear didn’t get in the way, I’d learn to ride wild horses. I would also learn to dive, not off a plane, but deep deep into the big blue.

    Reply
  6. meredith

    Awesome! Did they go to Tallard?
    ____________________________
    Hi Meredith,
    Yes they did!

    Reply
  7. Shannon

    Adventure Girl!
    Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous. Watch out boys! They couldn’t keep up with her if they wanted to.

    Reply
  8. CathyC

    Wow!! Fearless Wonder Girl!! She looks absolutely thrilled! And beautiful!

    Reply
  9. My Melange

    Yeah!!! Glad she loved it! Hmmmm…I would pick up and move to Europe if that FEAR thing wasn’t in the way…although my first trip to Paris was solo…so that’s a step I guess!

    Reply
  10. tut-tut

    Wow! Doesn’t she look proud and beautiful!
    I don’t know what I’d do without that fear of failure always there around me; it would be liberating.
    Did you watch her, Corey, or only French husband? I’m not sure I could have!

    Reply
  11. rochambeau

    Chelsea did it! She looks so happy and beautiful. You go girl!
    If I were more fearless like Chelsea, I would market my talent with more courage, not minding that it might hurt( a little bit). Starting my Blog is taking a baby step in the right direction, thank you for the push Corey!
    Liked the utube!

    Reply
  12. heidi

    if we had no fear, we’d let our children jump from airplanes! your light shines through her beaming smile. what a gift to have such inner strength. xo

    Reply
  13. sheila

    Chelsea looks so full of life and so happy. What a great adventure..! And one she will never forget.
    If fear wasn’t in my way I would be living in Portugal, but I always find obstacles to prevent it.

    Reply
  14. pam aries

    Ya know what..FEAR always gets in the way! Your post struck me quite squarely in the face this morning. It made me face a fear I am going through right now. I need to jump out of this Damn plane! Jump and the net will appear!

    Reply
  15. Penny

    I wonder where that fear comes from? In some ways perhaps it keeps us safe — but more often it keeps us from doing what we really want to do. There must be a way to banish it, or at least temper it.

    Reply
  16. elizabeth

    Your Chelsea is like my Amy…never been fearful of anything. One brother was that way too…seems something they are born with. One grandson now like that too…they get hurt more sometimes, because they do not naturally have fears…but they seem to like their lives. I think I was born cautious! Not that life is not fun for me…it just takes smaller things to be fun!

    Reply
  17. patpaulk

    Way to go Chelsea!!! And what plane are you going to jump out of??

    Reply
  18. Merisi’s Vienna

    Did you know beforehand about her plans?
    Our son went skydiving without telling me (good thing, I’d have died), and our oldest daughter bungee jumped on a Greek island during her European Interrail tour. Didn’t know about that either til after the deed. Thank the Lord! These are things I’ll never loose my fear of, fearing for others. I can hike along the steepest mountain cliff without being afraid, though.

    Reply
  19. berrie

    WHOOT WHOOT! Way to go Chelsea! May You NEVER Ever lose your fearlessness!

    Reply
  20. susan

    WOW! what a beautiful photo of a fearless girl! congrats to Chelsea on her challenge conquered! wow!

    Reply
  21. angela marie

    I did a post on this living and loving without fear…
    Good for Chelsea! Whoo hoo!
    She looks beautiful! And like she is ready to go up again! 😉

    Reply
  22. Connie

    Well my hat’s off to Chelsea…she’s got guts!

    Reply
  23. Cre8Tiva

    after my last back surgery the doctors told me i could never 1)jump out of a plane; 2) go horseback riding 3) go snow skiing…darn!!! when i broke my neck they told me i could never 1) make a bed; 2) transfer laundry from washer to dryer; 3) vaccum – Yeah…Right…all i was concerned about was cold i dance…so glad daughter returned to earth in 1 piece…beautiful lady is she…blessings, rebecca

    Reply
  24. Star

    Woohoo for Chelsea! What a fabulous start to this next phase in her life.
    Great video link, too.

    Reply
  25. Beverly

    What a beautiful picture! Chelsea is triumphant, full of adventure and courage! WOW!

    Reply
  26. eb

    What a beautiful and fearless young woman!
    That proud, beaming and charismatic smile is full of confidence –
    confidence in herself and in life…
    … the only two things she need carry in her bag as she steps – or jumps – into the future…
    Bravo and thank you Chelsea for inspiring us –
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  27. cruststation

    Beautiful picture, she is already an inspiration. Letting go of fear is truly liberating and shows a sense of adventure for new challenges ahead.

    Reply
  28. eb

    oh dear – I didn’t answer the question – what would I do if fear wasn’t in the way?
    I would gather my journal, pen, glue stick and camera and wander – preferably in and around the Mediterranean – watching, listening, writing, collecting little bits… collaging, weaving inner and outer, past and present together into a book.
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  29. Paula

    I would quit my job.
    I would visit my mother.
    I would tell my loved ones how I really feel.
    There are so many thoughts that just ran through my head about what I would do if I could just set the fear aside. Then I asked myself what the fear was about ……… oh my, lots to think about today.
    I believe there are really only two things that drive us, love and fear.
    I don’t always live what I believe, I wonder why that is.

    Reply
  30. Dee

    WOW…she did it!! Brave girl!
    I would love to fly over Napa Valley in California in a Hot Air Balloon! And why don’t I?…FEAR!!

    Reply
  31. Leau

    Perfect way to start my day! I was always fearless as a child and teenager and need to reclaim that as I go forward. So what would I do? What I am doing right now? Writing a letter of resignation from a very toxic work situation and trusting the universe will show me what to do next! Woo Hoo! Free falling!! Thanks, merci, gracias!!!
    ______________________________________
    Hi Leau
    Did you? That is more than jumping from a plane!

    Reply
  32. martina

    I’d do so many things if fear wasn’t present. Is it being careful or worried about failure that prevents us? That is a great photograph of your brave and beautiful Chelsea.
    _____________________________
    Hi Martina
    Hi MArtina
    I liked the question you proposed about fear. I don’t think it is just fear that prevents us from doing things. I think there has to be desire. Desire that can propel us to do things we might not want to do or are afraid to do. But if we don’t truly want / desire to do something we won’t, wouldn’t you agree?
    Corey

    Reply
  33. Linda

    Fear of change kept me stuck in a bad place for a long time. The change happened anyway so I guess there is a lesson there. Being brave, even if afraid, is a great thing.

    Reply
  34. Stephanie

    Beautiful girl…She will undoubtably jump head first into this life!
    If I were fearless I would quit the day job and explore my art, travel and passions!!

    Reply
  35. Paris Parfait

    It’s wonderful when young people show no fear and aren’t afraid to act. The jumping out of a plane must be an European coming-of-age thing – my stepdaughter did the same thing when she turned 18. And no, she wasn’t afraid either! Congrats to Chelsea for her many achievements; no doubt she’ll go far in life.

    Reply
  36. shabbyinthecity

    Thank heavens! And WOW doesn’t she look GREAT! Thats it! I’m jumping out of a plane!!!

    Reply
  37. Colette

    I wrote about fear on my blog a couple of days ago. Chelsea is my hero! And she is glowing with beauty.
    And I applaud her magnificent parents. xoxo

    Reply
  38. Brother Mathew

    Pretty cool Chelsea. Great treat for all the hard work you have done..congratulations!
    See you soon!

    Reply
  39. Rosemary

    Corey,
    She is so cute. What a pretty girl. Not to mention, a brave girl. How great!
    Without fear, I would come and meet you in France.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  40. Darlene

    I know a little how you feel. I’m not a mom, but I have a niece, also a Chelsea, but we spell hers “Chelcee.” She turned 13 this spring. Today I sent her off on her first “big girl” trip away from home without any family members. She’s going with several other students to Washington DC. But still my heart cries out she’s too little to go without one of us!
    You gotta give them wings. I hope she never fears the unknown! I am 34 and still trying to overcome it myself.

    Reply
  41. tommiea

    you go girl! Great job…though I can’t say that I would jump out of a plane. It was a big leap of faith to go flying with a dear friend of ours in his little two-seater.

    Reply
  42. somepinkflowers

    ~~~ you go girl!~~~
    both of you, daughter and mum!
    i get a rush
    just stepping out of an airplane ALONE
    into a country i’ve never been to before…
    and i walk out the regular door into an airport.
    my biggest fear is not going,
    but staying in the same place!
    🙂

    Reply
  43. Hasmin

    what a great photo to remember THE day.

    Reply
  44. lauren Mumford

    Well maybe…
    Ummmm…..
    No.

    Reply
  45. lauren Mumford

    Well maybe…
    Ummmm…..
    No.

    Reply
  46. Di Overton

    I’ve only two words to say to you Corey – DONT JUMP

    Reply
  47. Sally

    Awww, look at her, all excited and happy! Wishing you a lifetime of *living out loud* moments like this Chelsea.
    Oh goodness, I’m such a wienie, my list would go on forever of what I would do if fear were not an issue. I will have to muse over this. As ever, much food for thought Corey! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Jenny Fillius

    I once bought a book entitled- Feel the Fear and do it Anyway.The book was lifted off my desk never to be seen again, but in some ways just the title was enough for me.I wonder if the person who stole it was insipired by the title too.
    Your daughter is so beautiful and looks so strong in the photograph. How proud you must be of both of your children (?).

    Reply
  49. Blue

    Cool! Way to go Chelsea. Embracing life!
    Fantastico!
    xo

    Reply
  50. elsa

    Really, you are so kind. Kind words and always the only one to leave comments on my posts. I am grateful for it. It brightens my day. I refer to you to my husband always as “you know, Corey, French husband Corey?” It’s funny. I recently thought about writing a post about how one would think German husband was French husband the way he’s in love
    with fine wine. I love that photo of Chelsea today. She looks like a woman!!!! In a way, today, I don’t envy you. I know it’s hard to witness all of this. I get sad just watching my little one insist he wants to hold his own fork!!! On the other hand, I know you feel so proud, and feel pride that I cannot wait to cherish as well. Thank you for reaching out to me. Elsa

    Reply
  51. Lisa Oceandreamer

    Chelsea looks so happy, proud and beautiful. I am so in awe of her ability to have a wish to do something, then do it, and do it without fear.
    What a gift to give her…confidence.
    If I had no fear there are many things I’d do. For some reason the older I get the more I worry about and second guess following my bliss.
    XOXO
    Love,
    Lisa
    was French Husband beaming?

    Reply
  52. Alexandra

    She’s so brave! Good for her.
    What would I do with no fear? Hmmm…I’d travel and live overseas…maybe live from place to place, visiting different countries. I’d give up stability for adventure. Probably not very practical with two little homebody children, but it would be fun!

    Reply
  53. Molly

    What a breathless and amazing post. Your daughter is beautiful, and the sentiment is amazing too. And I believe you would jump out of a plane. I get that sense from you. 🙂

    Reply
  54. Ariane Cagle

    What a great photo of Chelsea! Way to go! I don’t think I could overcome my fear to do that. Although fear once led me to learn how to fly a single-engine plane when my ex-husband bought a plane. I wanted to make sure I knew how to land the thing if anything ever happened to him. But that was another life… quite a few years ago…

    Reply
  55. AmandaMay

    Fear and worry seem to be two of the most prohibiting parts of life when they are allowed to make the decisions. Congratulations to your daughter for jumping right through!

    Reply
  56. Alison Whittington

    I used to be fearless but the older I get the more fearful I get. How can that be? Is that normal? Is it because I used to only have myself to answer to?
    And how to remedy it? I suppose the only answer is action.
    Chelsea can be my role model.

    Reply
  57. JO

    My husband has jumped out of planes. I cannot fathom doing that because I hate the drop on a roller coaster..I’ll never do even that again.
    ____________________________________
    Hi JO
    Chelsea said, “It feels like the first drop of a rollercoaster ride, except it doesn’t stop, it keeps on going.”
    I am with you Jo, Let’s go on the ferris wheel instead.

    Reply
  58. ~jolenemarie

    When I grow up I want to be like Chelsea…and look like Chelsea 🙂
    High Five Chelsea!!!!!
    Wooooo-Hooooo!!!!!

    Reply
  59. JanePoe (aka Deborah)

    Brilliant, Chelsea. Jumping even when there is fear is truly taking a leap of faith. Hugs to you Corey ~ you’ve raised a strong, courageous young woman. xx, JP

    Reply
  60. Pascale

    Bravo Chelsea et bonne chance pour ton bac avec mention bien sûr !

    Reply
  61. Marie-Noëlle

    “Even for the flight of a butterfly, the whole sky is necessary” – words by Paul Claudel.
    I agree with Alison (Whittington): Getting more and more fearful as years go by…
    If I wasn’t afraid NOW, I would do all that I used and loved to do when young and fearless !!!
    Hang gliding, canoeing on rapids, … etc…
    Nice memories again …
    —————————————-
    Hi MN
    Well said!

    Reply
  62. herhimnbryn

    What a truely beautiful parachutist.

    Reply
  63. rel

    Corey,
    The fearlessness of adolesence and early adulthood is a reflection of a child’s upbringing. The fear of adults is predicated on the number of mistakes they have made while persuing fearlessness in their youth.
    I’m slowly putting those fears aside now to enjoy the thrill of living again before I die.
    Congratulations to Chelsea on her accomplishments. She has every reason to be proud, as do you!
    rel

    Reply
  64. Catalina

    I would jump ONLY if it was absolutely necessary….otherwise why I would pay to have my stomach passing by my head for…how many seconds?
    I used to do some things like that just because they scared me (when I was a teenager) Now I don’t have to. I will do it if I think it will be fun for me or I will not do things that I think are specially dangerous. Jumping from a plane is ok (with a parachute of course! …:)…) just not my “tasse de thé”)

    Reply
  65. Nora

    I’ve jumped too. It’s FANTASTIC! After reading this, I want to jump again.
    You haven’t really lived until you’ve jumped…

    Reply
  66. Acey

    Holy cow she looks happy. What an amazing smile must have been on French Husband’s face as well…what an exhilarating way to be Daddy’s Girl in that moment!
    ______________________________
    Hi Acey
    So very true.

    Reply
  67. frenchgardenhouse

    wow…she looks so GLOWING!!! maybe if we weren’t afraid and just DID it…we’d be as happy as that, too?
    or is it just youth? nah…
    Lidy

    Reply
  68. maria

    OMG, i think letting my daughter jump out of a plane is MUCH scarier than me doing it.
    Conversation in my head:
    “Mommy, is it OK if i jump from a plane and hurl myself to earth at a hundred miles an hour??”
    “Of course, dear. Just because i won’t let you sit in the front seat of the car in case the airbag accidentally deploys and kills you, doesn’t mean you can’t rush headlong at death from the sky, you silly girl.”
    Bravo to you, Corey! You’ve got guts!!
    and bravo to your daughter for following in your footsteps!!

    Reply
  69. susanna

    Your daughter looks so happy and so fearless. What a terrific photograph! She is so beautiful!

    Reply
  70. simple me

    gosh! just by looking at the picture my legs start to shake. she is brave that girl!
    you are so right … things would be very different if we weren’t afraid.

    Reply
  71. Erika

    She is beautiful.

    Reply
  72. BOSSY

    (speechless)

    Reply
  73. Ellen Cassilly

    Bravo Chelsea!
    Have a great summer.
    Ellen

    Reply
  74. Veronica TM

    you have a brave and beautiful daughter, corey. i think i would move to another, city, country…if fear wasn’t in the way {but i am working on it, not to worry}

    Reply
  75. Leslie

    What a wonderful way to remember a major life accomplishment! I have become such a weenie that I actually have to talk myself into riding my Vespa to work (US drivers do not think scooters are motor vehicles)each morning, although I cannot wait to drive it home! Oh yeah, I have to do that when I drive the car, too.

    Reply
  76. ahmet

    hi

    Reply

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