No Fear in the New Year

December 29th, 2008 Posted in A Positive Moment, General, Leadership, Newsletter

Eight years ago I looked out into the Atlantic Ocean on New Years Day with fear in my heart and uncertainty in my life. I had been fired from a “dot.com” company two weeks earlier with only two weeks of severance, no insurance for my two young children and only two months of savings in the bank. My wife and I had just invested every dollar we had and even took out a second mortgage on our home and $20,000 on a credit card to open what would be the first Moe’s Southwest Grill in Florida. The restaurant was set to open January 13th and we had no earthly idea how we would pay our home mortgage and other bills since I planned on keeping my salary and job while my managers built the restaurant business. Now, it was New Years Day and I had no job, no salary and a restaurant opening that at worst would fail miserably or at best take months to be profitable.

I thought of all this as I prepared to jump into the icy cold water-to take a symbolic plunge that this would be the year of NO FEAR. Regardless of the circumstances I was facing, this would be the year where I would trust and go for it. This would be the year I would be bold in actions and faith and humble in spirit. No longer could I do it alone. Now I needed a miracle and I would, as the saying goes, take actions as if my future depended on me and pray like it depended on God.

By jumping into the ocean I was declaring that no longer will I allow fear to cut off the flow of abundant and positive energy in my life. No longer will I allow fear to paralyze me. Instead of fear I would trust.

Now eight years later, as I write this I am preparing to jump into the ocean once again on New Years Day. It has become my yearly ritual - to remind myself to follow my passion, live life to the fullest, surrender and to stay one step ahead of the fear that hovers around me.

And as I take my leap into the ocean I want to invite you to jump in with me. Perhaps not in the ocean but in the depths of your mind. This jump doesn’t necessarily require water but rather a leap of faith in your belief system and a shift in your mindset. The antidote to fear is trust and it is only a thought away. No one is going to push you over the chasm of struggle to the life that you want. God will nudge you but you must take the leap. You must make this jump in your mind and then with your actions. You must make this jump with trust, determination and faith. After all, they don’t call it a leap of fear. They call it a “leap of faith” for a reason.

You will always feel fear. Everyone will. But the simple rule to remember is that your trust must be bigger than your fear. The bigger your trust the smaller your fear becomes. And the more you trust the more you become a conduit for miracles. I know. A consulting project presented itself out the blue and we were able to pay our mortgage. A check came in the mail, the right opportunities came our way and some how, some way we were carried.

We truly only have one life to live. We only have one chance. We only have one moment at a time to create the life we were born to live. All you have to do is jump in with all that you are and all that you wish to become.

Make your declaration that you will live with no fear in the New Year. Say it to yourself, say it to the world on our Blog. Share your thoughts today.

Here’s to an amazing 2009!

I’m sending positive energy your way,
-Jon

P.S. People often ask me what happened to my restaurant. Well, thankfully I eventually opened 4 restaurants and sold them three and a half years ago knowing it was time to focus 100% on the work I’m doing now. Thank you for your support and for sharing this message with others.

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS POSITIVE MOMENT AUDIO TIP

Tags: , , , , , ,

  1. 41 Responses to “No Fear in the New Year”

  2. By Angela on Dec 29, 2008

    Here is to living with NO Fear. The only small thing standing in the way is that I am not quite sure what to plunge into. I am currently in the Financial Sector and have climbed up some mountains but don’t think I want to climb too much higher. Here is to the faith that what I desire to do with the rest of my life will be revealed to me in the new year!

  3. By Patty Walters on Dec 29, 2008

    Oh YES! Year of NO FEAR!!! I help people Love Life and Live Large –there is no reason why we should not follow our passion, live from Faith, and Trust the way will be shown. Thanks Jon for taking the leap 8 years ago and sharing your journey with us! You are an inspiration.

  4. By Katherine on Dec 29, 2008

    Jon, keep up the GREAT work as you are an inspiration to me! I will take the plunge in 2009!

  5. By Stan Stewart on Dec 29, 2008

    YOU ROCK!!!

  6. By Nancy Cook on Dec 29, 2008

    Risk nothing - have nothing - are nothing is a motto I have lived for many years of my life. Your no fear statement rang loud and clear for me. I love your positive messages - thank you! I love the quote right before this note and plan to share it with others as THE new year motto for all. Thank you for the “ride”!

    You are a true inspiration to SO many!

  7. By Skott on Dec 29, 2008

    I, too, declare today to take the plunge of faith into 2009… believing the right pool will show itself… faith is what I have today… putting energy into believing for the doors to open!!!! Thank you Jon

  8. By Patrick Prothe on Dec 29, 2008

    I’ve worked hard over the years to stomp out fear. And doubt and worry. Fear can be insidious and prevent us from achieving. I’ve felt it paralyze, creating inaction.

    Thanks for the great thoughts. My wife and I have talked about fear a lot - and are focusing on taking positive action everyday. We’ve found by looking at what we can do today - by what we can control - we move forward.

  9. By Shawn Lally on Dec 29, 2008

    Jon,

    I have actually been to that Moe’s and know one of your former parnters, Bob. I truly enjoy your newsletters and e-mails. You do wonderful work and it is obvious that it is your passion. Thank you for making a difference!

  10. By Kathryn on Dec 29, 2008

    It was so wonderful to read this after I just hung up the phone from a conversation with a friend where I was discussing exactly this!

    Although I have spent most of my life facing down my fears and overcoming them - there are some small persistent areas where fear still seems to creep in and on occasion immobilize me. I was telling my friend today that this aspect of myself is what I most want to leave behind as I move into this new year - so I want to thank you so much for this opportunity to make a public vow to do just that - A BIG YES to a Year of NO FEAR!!! I, too, vow to take the plunge in 2009 - may we all be guided and carried.

    Thanks so much, Jon, for your work and your inspiring messages!

  11. By Paularay on Dec 29, 2008

    I think I will leap into the Ocean even if it is cold… Thanks for your encouraging words!

  12. By Spencer Reynolds on Dec 29, 2008

    Jon you inspire me, I am going to take the plunge and go deeper in my mind and play WAY BIGGER than I have ever DREAMED! I think a mile swim is just the ticket, an icey wake-up and thinking time!

    Thanks for your infusion of ENERGY! You are my personal energy coach, thanks!

    Spencer Reynolds
    http://www.SpencerReynolds.com

  13. By Antoinette on Dec 29, 2008

    Thanks again for all you do. I am stilled awed (and hope that I always am) by the timing of the universe. I am sitting at my computer looking for employement when I get your newsletter. I am trying my best to stay focused — read it later you are busy trying to find a job. Ok well I succumb….. & then as I am reading about my own CURRENT situation in this newsletter I start crying. I am not alone. While I do know this, sometimes it is really hard and then the powers that be send me just what I need…. awe, amazement, humility, gratitude, and the knowledge that everything and everyone is as it should be. Thanks again and always….

  14. By Linda on Dec 29, 2008

    I’m vowing not to “participate” in the recession this year…even when it LOOKS like things are not going so well. For my business to succeed, I know I have to stay positive and act accordingly. Thanks for the encouragement here.

  15. By Dave Zgrabik on Dec 29, 2008

    Thanks for your inspirational letter “No Fear in the New Year”. I have found one of the ways to overcome the “Fear” is to always remember “The past is for cowards. The future is all we have”.

  16. By Thomas R. Fennell on Dec 29, 2008

    Research has shown that a positive state of mind leads to healthy, wealthy and wise life. If it doesn’t you will be dead, have lived a happy life and will not care any more

  17. By Scott on Dec 29, 2008

    Thanks for sharing your story.

    We have not been immune from the economic disater that arrived in the fourth quarter of 2008. But with all we have before us I am declaring here and now that I will not submit to fear but rest in the knowledge that I am a child of the creator of all through His son Christ Jesus. He will provide for us and take care of us in ways we have not yet imagined. By His grace we can all know the loving and eternal God that can overcome any disaster conceived by man. I am trusting in God and refusing to succomb to fear. I know He will use the hardship that comes to all by building the Christ like character in me for His glory.
    Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share what God has given me in my heart and to take this this stand with Him.

    All the best,

    Scott

  18. By Marjie on Dec 29, 2008

    I don’t want to promise, “No Fear”, but I Can and will promise “Moving Forward Despite Fear”, as I continue my hypnosis practice, Reiki practice, and giving work shops and talks to people willing to move ahead to the next step! YES!! No matter what. :>)

  19. By Conkly on Dec 29, 2008

    Just bought the Energy Bus and No Complaining Rule to read over the holidays…..absolutely fantastical….loved every word!!
    A million thank yous for sharing!!
    Happy - Happy - Happy New Year, Mr. Jon!!!
    Love-light-laughter!!!
    XXXOOOXXX
    Conky
    ;>)

  20. By Roarie on Dec 29, 2008

    Fear and “No Energy Vampires” Allowed in 2009 and onward. Love rules. Courage to all.

  21. By Jeff on Dec 29, 2008

    Thanks, Jon (and Scott, 12/29 blogger). I will live with no fear! I will continue to give my life to Jesus Christ - EVERYTHING! I will continue to give up 1. my “stuff”, 2. my “emotions” that get in the way of His glory, 3. my self and 4. I will NOT take offense! THE 4 KEYS TO LIFE.

    As a school administrator I will continue to put student achievement first in all the decisions I make.

    Thanks, Jon. God Bless you in that COLD water. Come to Havre, Montana if you want to experience COLD. -25 is common these days. :)

  22. By Linda on Dec 29, 2008

    There are many things happening in my life that normally would paralyze me with fear. Yet I choose to move forward regardless of what will happen in the future. I vow to live this year without the paralyzing cape of fear weighing down upon me. I move forward no matter what in light and joy.

  23. By Frankie on Dec 29, 2008

    Okay Jon-I am with you! I will have no fear in the new year. Our God is bigger than any fear. Perfect love cast out fear and we know that God loves us.

    Here’s to us in 2009-the year-we’re gonna shine.
    Frankie Sherman
    Perfect Timing
    Ministries

  24. By Shan on Dec 29, 2008

    Hi Jon ,

    Great idea for 2009 ,staying postive in life is impertaive and you are doing great Job .

    Were everyone warning about 2009 ……i see a postive note , which upbeats me !

    Great Ride Man ,

    Shan

  25. By DeEtta Laino on Dec 29, 2008

    Jon,
    I am Moving Forward without Fear in 2009~
    I Believe in Moving Foward without Fear in 2009~
    I Breathe in Peace and Exhale Stress in 2009~
    I Feel Peace, Teach Peace, Believe in Peace, Live in Peace and Embrace Peace in 2009
    I Love MySelf in 2009
    Peace~Be Well in 2009
    DeEtta Laino
    http://www.believejustbelieve.com

  26. By D. Schofield on Dec 30, 2008

    Thanks for the Word, Jon–and also to my brothers and sisters out there!
    People tell me this is the worst time to launch a new business (teaching end-user computer security to mobile workers) but I’m in much the same state you were; I’ve got a great product, and there’s a huge (but scared) market, so unless I just sit still there’s no place to go but up!
    Thanks again for all the encouragement–I think I’ll go jump in the Allegheny with the Polar Bears this New Year’s Day!

  27. By Mary McDonald, Process Improvement Specialist on Dec 30, 2008

    Hi Jon,

    I have cheerfully ignored the news of ‘recession’, and our business has not experienced any slowdown (thank you, God!)

    So much of how we approach a problem, difficulty, challenge, or change will affect the way we come out of it on the other side. I try to remember that we “have to go through it, to get to it” - and if we can get through it with eyes on the prize, we can slog through it a bit easier…

    I will jump in the ocean on January 1st also - if you can provide a time, I’ll even jump in “with” you!

    Thanks so much from your #1 fan in Austin,
    Mary McD

  28. By Vincent on Dec 30, 2008

    Jon -

    Thanks for the message: NO FEAR IN THE NEW YEAR! I’m putting up a poster in my cubicle this morning.

    Keep the emails coming!

    Best Wishes for 2009!

  29. By Sonia on Dec 30, 2008

    Great messege today. I woke up feeling anxious after taking a big leap of faith myself recently and taking risks that are scary but necessary. Today, I found myself being influence by fear. The message today reminded me to move through the fear, stay steady, and be BOLD in action. Thank you, I received this message at the right time.
    Sonia

  30. By Randy Ladd on Dec 30, 2008

    All is fine in 2009. There can be no fear when you embrace completely the infinite power that exists for each and every one of us. With that in mind, I take the leap of faith with each and every one of you. Here’s to The New Year without fear.

    Thanks,

    Randy

  31. By Kim on Dec 30, 2008

    Jon-
    2008 was a year of both family and financial crisis that would have been unthinkable to me when the year began. This newsletter has been an encouragement to me, more so than any of your others this year because I expect the new year, with the help of the Lord, to be the beginning of something wonderful in every area that has been hindered. Thank you for believing and giving others the “want” to take the leap of faith into the unknown. Be blessed!!

  32. By Quentin Skinner on Dec 30, 2008

    This year I am starting a clothing company. I feel like the message today was especially for me. I will need to take the leap of faith this year. I look forward to your message every Monday. Thank you for everything Jon. Your book the Energy Bus changed my life.

  33. By Marilou on Dec 31, 2008

    This year I will recover my enthusiasm about Buda´s lessons a way of life, and I will be more oriented to accomplish the 8th path that he susggested. I know this will give me the power to accomplish other things.

  34. By Amanda on Jan 1, 2009

    Jon - thank you for such a great intro to 2009. It’s 1st Jan here in Oz, the sky is blue, the weather is warm, a beautiful breeze is blowing and I’ve decided that 2009 is the Year of Inspiration and Action for me. More optimism, more meditation and connection to the Light and 2009 is the year I…really believe in myself, have at least one story published, act in at least one good short film, become slimmer, stronger and fitter, become closer to my friends and family, get in control of my finances. Whew! What a ride this is going to be!
    We are blessed.

  35. By Mavis Nevill on Jan 1, 2009

    I find Jon’s weekly tips inspiring.
    I now commit myself not to be affraid in 2009 of my health restrictions or of my ability to cope with the challenges of my retirement ministry. Also I commit myself to stop being a complainer and to spread the no complaining message.

    Go well all. Let us not be affraid!

    Mavis

  36. By Kristi on Jan 1, 2009

    Jon,
    I heard you speak in Denver this past year…your stories were very inspiring.
    I agree to no fear in the new year with you and all the others who will walk in faith knowing our God loves us and we need to keep the faith going forward.
    Kristi

  37. By Marsha Keeffer on Jan 4, 2009

    Jon, this is a very important post. 2009 will be all about feeling fear, yet taking action anyway. It’s about walking our path no matter what. Thanks for this inspiration!

  38. By Amber Slaughter on Jan 5, 2009

    Thank you for your inspirations newsletter in starting 2009.

    I commit to move forward, despite fear of the unknown,in building my life/business coaching practice. I also commit to focus on the positives in my life and be enthusiastic!

  39. By Jerry Lopper on Jan 5, 2009

    I recall vividly the conclusion of a workshop run by Neale Donald Walsch several years ago. At the conclusion Walsch asked each person to stand up and declare what they were going to release from their lives. Without hesitation I declared I was tired of living my life in fear and I give it up.

    Now, I still feel fear at times, but I’ve learned to accept the feelings then move on anyway. My life is richer for it, in fact I sometimes declare that fear is my friend. Why, because I’ve noticed that fear is a clear signal of an opportunity for further growth…if I go forward.

  40. By Carol Irene Weis on Jan 6, 2009

    Hello Jon & All, HAPPY NEW YEAR,

    2009: THE YEAR TO SHINE is my motto for the year and I will allow no fear to stop me from living as honest and loving a life as I can while peacefully supporting and coaching others to also be all who they can be and in fact really are.
    I love your tips Jon and share them with many people. Love & Light for All, Carol Irene

  41. By Kathy Hagle on Jan 7, 2009

    This is the year I will not trust in myself but I will trust in God.
    Jon, just like you I have had a vision of this year. This is the year I stand on the edge of something big. Like a child learning to swim for the first time, and your dad is in the water with arms out stretched to catch you. This is were I am now, looking at the big,deep water. and knowing God will make sure I am safe.
    So here I go into the water and taking the plunge. Knowing that it looks scary, but only because I need to trust more and fear less.

  42. By Mark Wells on Jan 11, 2009

    I was inspired to write after reading No Fear In the New Year. Running a small business can be a fearful thing. Afraid of losing people in busy times, or losing a key component of what got us here. I realized two things. Fear can cause you to do things or act in ways that will make your fears come true. Also, it definitely is not a fun way to feel and adds to stress. I read The Energy Bus because a friend of mine recommended it. As a result, I have resolved to read your newsletters once a week, and really think about the message. I have also asked all our people to read the book and get on the bus. I really thought it was hokey at first, but now, I consider it to be rejuvenating. Thank you.

Post a Comment

*
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture. Click on the picture to hear an audio file of the word.
Click to hear an audio file of the anti-spam word