152. Permission to be Nervous
Have you ever said yes to something big—and then found yourself lying awake at night wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into?
That’s exactly where I am right now. I’m getting ready to head to Italy to lead two back-to-back retreats in Tuscany, and even though I’ve hosted international retreats before, I’m nervous. Really nervous.
But I’m realizing that nervousness doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve made the wrong decision. Sometimes, it shows up because we’re doing something that matters deeply to us. And sometimes, it’s a sign that we’ve reached the edge of our comfort zone and are stepping into growth.
In this episode, I’m sharing what this season is bringing up for me—from the responsibility of holding space for 23 women in Italy to navigating the unexpected loss of my dad and the complicated grief that has followed. We’re talking about what happens when nervousness, grief, excitement, and growth all exist at the same time—and why you don’t have to wait until you feel completely calm or confident to keep moving forward.
Because wobbly doesn’t mean wrong. Sometimes, it simply means you’re standing somewhere new.
In this episode:
[0:59] Why I’m nervous about leading two back-to-back retreats in Tuscany—even after years of doing big, uncomfortable things
[2:29] The real reasons this experience feels bigger: 23 women, two retreats, and the responsibility of holding it all
[4:51] Why the things that matter most to us can make us the most nervous
[5:49] How the unexpected loss of my dad has changed the way I’m experiencing this season of growth
[7:43] Why grief, excitement, and nervousness can exist at the same time—and why being capable doesn’t mean always feeling calm
[9:38] Nervousness isn’t always a red flag: how to recognize when you’re simply reaching the edge of your comfort zone
[10:28] The practices helping me stay grounded through grief and uncertainty—and why you don’t have to wait for nervousness to pass before moving forward
[12:08] Why big life shifts can feel wobbly, especially in midlife, and what that discomfort may be telling you
[13:20] Four journaling questions to uncover what’s underneath your nervousness and whether it’s asking you to stop or grow
[15:19] Why you can bring nervousness with you without letting it call the shots—and how this connects to intentionally designing your next chapter
Journal Prompts:
If you’re standing at the edge of something that feels a little scary right now, take five or ten minutes with these questions:
- Where in your life are you feeling nervous right now—not worried, but nervous?
- What is that nervousness actually about? What’s underneath it?
- Is this nervousness telling you to stop, or is it telling you that you’re growing?
- What would it look like to bring the nervousness with you instead of waiting for it to go away before you begin?
You don’t have to make the nervousness disappear. You can pack it in your suitcase and bring it along. It just doesn’t get to drive.
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152. Permission to be Nervous
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