Dancing Through Fear: Finding Courage in Connection

Dancing Through Fear: Finding Courage in Connection

This morning didn’t start as planned. You know those days when you just can’t get going? That was me. My to-do list loomed, my energy lagged, and I’d just popped onto Facebook to quickly share an event I’m hosting tomorrow. The plan was simple: post and get on with my day.

But then, the first thing that popped up was a video from my wonderful friend, Tanya Aldcroft. There she was, absolutely owning it at a dance party, moving with joy and freedom that practically radiated through the screen. Tanya is one of those amazing dancers who can make you smile without even trying, and let me tell you, she did just that.

I thought, I need that.

So, I grabbed my breakfast, opened Spotify, and found a playlist. Dance music, naturally. The 90s classic Free from Desire came on, and before I knew it, I was in my office, banana-on-toast in hand, busting out moves like nobody was watching (because, thankfully, no one was).

It lasted all of 90 seconds, but it was enough. Enough to shake off the morning fog, enough to feel my body come alive, and enough to pull me into the moment. It reminded me how quickly we can shift our energy with just a little movement, a little music, and a whole lot of letting go.

Courage and Fear: Two Sides of the Same Coin

After my impromptu dance party, I pulled a card from my deck—one of those little rituals that helps me reflect and reset. The word I got? Courageous.

Now, courage is an interesting thing, isn’t it? It’s so closely linked to fear. In fact, I don’t think you can have one without the other. Courage is what we call on when fear is standing in our way. It’s what pushes us forward when everything in us is screaming to stop.

This got me thinking about my fear of public speaking.

Here’s the funny thing: I’m the least shy person in any room. Give me a crowd, and I’ll happily chat, laugh, and connect with anyone and everyone. But the moment I step up to a microphone or stand in front of a group with prepared notes, my confidence wobbles.

It’s a visceral kind of fear—the kind that makes your heart race and your hands shake. My voice might crack, my words might tumble over each other, and suddenly, my mind tells me I can’t do it. But I can. Every time I push through, I’m reminded that fear doesn’t have to stop me. It’s simply a signal that I’m stepping into something important.

The Power of Connection

That’s the thing about courage: it’s contagious. Just like fear can spread like wildfire, so can bravery, joy, and energy. Watching Tanya dance this morning reminded me of that. Her joy sparked mine, and for those 90 seconds, I felt completely free.

In leadership coaching, they call it the “contagion effect.” As humans, we’re wired to mirror each other’s emotions and energy. It’s why being around someone with a positive vibe can lift your spirits, and why sharing your struggles can make someone else feel seen.

It’s also why the knickers we wear matter—but more on that later.

Oversharing, Undies, and the Little Things That Matter

Let me 100% honest: in this week’s podcast episode there is a lot of oversharing! From swearing and crying to a surprisingly deep dive into the importance of underwear, it’s all there. And you know what? I’m here for it.

Because life isn’t just about the big, profound moments. Sometimes it’s about the little things—the right pair of knickers that make you feel secure, the silly dance moves that shake off the stress, or the shared laughter that reminds you you’re not alone.

When we let ourselves be vulnerable, when we share the messy, unfiltered parts of life, we create space for connection. And in that connection, we find courage.

Dancing Through Fear

So, if you’re feeling stuck today, take this as your cue to move. Put on your favourite song, dance like nobody’s watching, and let yourself be free, even if it’s just for 90 seconds.

And if you need a little courage? Look around you. Find your Tanya. Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people whose energy lifts you up and whose bravery inspires your own. Because together, we can face the big challenges, the shaky microphones, and whatever cliffs life throws our way.

And don’t forget: the right knickers can make all the difference.

Here’s to dancing through fear, one step—and one laugh—at a time.