Thursday, 21 April 2016

FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY

Photo's by the babe'in Hannah Gale

As you're reading this post, I will be heading off on a press trip to Marbella for 3 days of sun [insert all of the non existent fingers crossed emojis - why the f**k is there no fingers crossed emoji fyi - the world has ever seen], fun - I'm going with Hannah so obvs gonna laugh so much to the point of peeing myself a little - and relaxation (spa treatments and beach/pool leisure time are scheduled into our itinerary, winning in life) and I am so frickin excited.

But the whole journey - lol at me making this sound like an X-Factor contestant's life - wasn't so fun and without fear.

You see, I had this trip booked in for May 21st. Great, I thought. Time to eat healthy and get to the gym (I haven't been to a gym in 7 years, who the f**k was I kidding?) I thought. And then I found out that my trip was actually April 21st, and I had a week and a half to prep rather than the 6 weeks to prep.

And let me just tell you that I panicked like I have never panicked before (slight exaggeration, but you know, I panicked a bit).

Now, for a lot of you you might be thinking "Erm, does it take a week to pack, what else do you have to prepare?" and no, it doesn't at all. And apart from rescheduling a few meetings and events for 2 days, and a frantic search for bikini's that don't make me feel like a whale, there wasn't a lot to practically prepare, but it does take a while for my head to prepare for changes.

Let me give you some background info. I am the girl that prepares everything to within an inch of it's life. Got a day full of back to back meetings? You better believe that I will literally schedule my day. My content schedule is prepped well in advance (although this is the only thing that I do become spontaneous with) and I wake up at 6am every day just so that I can "fit everything in". So to find out that my trip was so close (and I was also going to have to do all of the extra hours to make sure that sponsored content/general content/video's was completed and ready before I left) completely shook me.

If I'm honest with you, I have absolutely no idea what this post is even about or where it's going. But I guess the general gist of what I'm trying to say is that even if you feel that fear - regardless of whether it's slightly (read; ridiculously) irrational - do it anyway!

I actually have family coming over from Canada whilst I'm away so it would have been a pretty good excuse to back out at the last minute - I am the kind of girl that gets nervous over trips and events even when I know they're going to be so much fun - but then I realised that of course there was absolutely no way I was backing out, I was going to have the best bloody time and those nerves can just fuck right off do one. I have seen so many people turn down amazing opportunities through being scared and anxious, and I totally, totally get it. But what even is life if you're not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and doing things that scare you. How are you meant to develop, to grow, to be a better person?

I would also like to point out that I know my irrational worries make me sound like a pampered princess who's never had a "real" day's worry in her life and please believe me that that couldn't be any further from the case. But I guess it's proof that in spite of a pretty instagram feed - which mine certainly isn't fyi - and a picture perfect life on the surface, you never know what's actually going on behind the scenes. And the girl that goes out there and does everything and meets new people and must be oh my god so confident actually might just be the least confident of the lot, she just says yes and doesn't let life get in the way.

This whole post is probably the most trivial and pointless that I've ever written, but I guess it's just my way of saying - with about 50 billion extra unnecessary words - that being scared is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of, feeling the fear is absolutely fine, but push yourself to do whatever it is that scares you anyway. Because that feeling of fulfilment after, that is what it's all about.

I'd really know love to know if you've ever experienced fear that's stopped you from doing things? How do you deal with last minute changes? Please do let me know, I always love hearing from you :)

Also, don't forget to keep up with my trip on Instagram and Snapchat (theellenextdoor), I promise you won't want to miss it. I am so beyond grateful to have these opportunities come my way and it makes it even more special that I can take you babes along with me too!

As always, thanks so much for reading (and putting up with my pointless rambles!) 

xx

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64 comments

  1. I always love reading your posts Elle! I'm so super organised and sometimes wish I wasn't as I do put too much pressure on myself! xx

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    1. Thanks so much Nicole, I'm so happy you do. I totally know how you feel!

      xx

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  2. Love this post! I actually get really nervous about trips and I'm not even sure why! I've been to a couple of blogger events too and nearly backed out of them because I was worried, but didn't because as you say you've got to push yourself out of your comfort zone! So I totally get what you mean. Have an amazing time I'm sure you will and can't wait to see some pictures!
    Amy xx
    Call Me Amy

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    1. Thanks so much Amy, so happy you liked it! I'm the same with blogger events too, sometimes it takes a lot for me to push myself but I'm always really happy when I do!

      xx

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  3. I love this and I'm so proud that you're doing it regardless. Life really does begin at the end of our comfort zones, y'know?! I'm sure you're going to have an amazing time as well, and what you're worrying about won't even cross your mind once you've returned. You'll be like 'what was I stressin' over?!!'.
    Can't wait to see the photos! xxx

    Sam // Samantha Betteridge

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    1. Ahh you absolute babe Sam, thank you for always being so lovely!

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  4. Bless you, I'm the same. Relax and have an amazing time!

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  5. A beautiful look! I wish you good luck and be open for new adventures !

    www.thefashionpanda.be
    www.thefashionpanda.be

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  6. I can tell you're a very organised person from the moment I met you! Have an amazing time in Marbs babe, I'm so jel right now!

    www.duchessoffashion.co.uk

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    1. Ah thank you lovely, it really is beautiful here!

      xx

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  7. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time anyway! I've recently been to Spain but never to Marbella, will look forward to reading your posts!

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    1. Thanks Suze, I am having the best time. So lovely!

      xx

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  8. It's funny, right before I read this post I was actually almost on the edge of my seat with fear and anxiety about something I have coming up. Perfect timing for me to read this for sure.

    I think you're so right as well, so much of the time we assume that the people who go out and do all of these amazing things have perfect fear-free lives to match, but in reality that probably couldn't be further from the truth.

    www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Ah thank you hun, I'm so pleased it made you feel a bit better, it's just nice to know that it's not only you feeling like that!

      xx

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  9. Ahhhh even if you were scared, it'll all go out of the window when you touch down in Marbella, you lucky thing! I'm glad you were able to overcome your nerves though, it'll be 100% worth it. And we all feel this way sometimes, so I'm glad you felt able to write about it :) x

    Martha Jane | www.marthajanemusic.com

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    1. That's exactly what happened hun, I'm so happy I just got on with it, it's so beautiful here!

      xx

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  10. Another trip!? Can't keep up with you girl! Although it has stressed you out I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time :) It was 17 degrees today in Brighton and it literally felt like summer for me again. That's Holidayish enough for me :)

    Georgia | The Weekend Attic - Personal Style, Beauty and Lifestyle

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    1. Ahh thank you lovely, I'm seriously having the most fab time, I had nothing to worry about!

      xx

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  11. Just relax a little & don't plan too much ☺ life just happens
    Nati xx

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    1. I so wished I was that relaxed Nati!

      xx

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  12. Hope you'll manage to enjoy Marbella anyways! Your sunnies are golden! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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    1. I'm having the best time, thank you!

      xx

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  13. Love this post! I always prep for holidays well in advance too but once I had less than 24 hours notice from my Hubby for a holiday & you know what? It all came together in a few hours - I just packed my old reliable bits & bobs & went to my local supermarket & grabbed a few bits and it made me wonder why I always spend so long prepping when 24 hours will do! xx

    Beautylymin

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    1. You're so so right, I think it was more from a content point of view but I definitely wish I was less of a worrier!

      xx

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  14. I'm so guilty of backing out of things at the last minute because I'm worrying, especially if I know I'm not going to know anyone or something like that. Also, your Instagram is one of my favourites. If you think yours isn't pretty, then god knows what mine is hahaha!

    Kirstie | Behind The Scent

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    1. Ahh thanks so much haha, that really means a lot!

      xx

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  15. Sometimes it's really good to do something with is out of your comfort zone, Elle and I'm sure that as you're nervous about your trip to Marbella now, you'll be pleased and enjoy every moment of it later, so don't think too much of it, just enjoy the moment, dear! :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks so much hun, I had nothing to worry about, having th best time!

      xx

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  16. I relate to this post so much, as I also plan everything insanely, and if I didn't have the extra month I thought I had, I don't even know what I would do!

    www.justbeingbrooklyn.com

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  17. I can relate so much! I always get a bit anxious and nervous about events and stuff too, but I still do them because I always have such a great time when I'm there. I hope you have an amazing trip and I can't wait to see your Instagram photos! :)

    X Marjolein
    www.misscocoblue.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm exactly the same, I always think it's so important to push yourself to do it anyway!

      xx

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  18. I get nervous before pretty much everything! Even fun stuff sometimes, which makes very little sense! Still, it always feels so good once you've got through something that seems like a challenge at first. Hope you have an amazing trip and can't wait to read/see all about it! x

    Kate Louise Blogs

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    1. Ahh you're so right lovely, you always feel so much better after you do it too!

      xx

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  19. Loved reading this! I would be nervous too but it sounds exciting. You'll have a great time, can't wait to hear about it!

    Http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you lovely, it really is so exciting!

      xx

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  20. Fear is absolutely normal, it shows you you really want something, I'm reading the most amazing book 'Playing Big' by Tara Morh all about way to boost your confidence and play big. You are big player (ha, that sounded wrong) and self-doubt is there for us all, it's about not letting it win-we grow when we're scared and Marbs will be so fun! Enjoy hun x

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    1. Ooh I really need to read that book. Thanks so much for the lovely comment Vicki!

      xx

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  21. This is actually the quote I live my life by!
    Ivy xo
    www.ivyrode.co.uk

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  22. You're hilarious! I am pretty good with unexpected change, but I have to know exactly what the next plan is. I hate feeling lost and confused, so if anything I will feel anxious but things have to get done.
    Omnivogues

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    1. I totally know how you feel, although i'm a wimp with change too!

      xx

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  23. How bizarre is it that I woke up with this in my head this morning:
    http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com/files/2016/02/15/6359109980698747081977911894_large.gif

    (I don't think it was good ol' Hilz that said this first but apprope anyway). Genuinely like fate that this post popped up today...

    Have an amazing time in Marbs my love...loving your snapchats so far!!

    Katie. La Coco Noire

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  24. Fair play to you for stepping out of your comfort zone & kicking anxiety up the the bum! you deserve this trip & I hope you are having an amazing time x

    Beauty with charm

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    1. Thanks so much lovely, you are such a sweetie!

      xx

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  25. Love this I always plan to much but I am trying to be more spontaneous this year! x

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    1. That's my goal too, I'm so useless at it!

      xx

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  26. Love this post! I'm totally the same way with scheduling and planning, so I definitely understand what you were feeling. I've actually been reading "Daring Greatly" (recommend it, for sure) and it touches on what you wrote about, too. Sometimes doing the things that scare us is exactly what we need!

    Kathryn • The Fashionography

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  27. Omg babe have an amazing time this is an incredible opportunity, I turn down pretty much everything I get offered because I am ridiculously anxious but then I miss out on so much?! Definitely need to feel the fear and do it anyway ;) xxx

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  28. Tooootally get how you feel! Even though it is a super exciting thing that I should be SO excited for, I always seem to get a pang of anxiety and it pisses me right owwf. I think I just have to encourage the 'fuck it' moments in my life and just try and do things in the spur of the moment a little bit more. A few months a go I was invited to a really cool event that I had been looking forward to for aaages and got so nervous that I got the tube all the way there then turned round and came home - what the heeell? I felt so silly! Have an incredible time in Marbs chicka, can't wait to read all about it :) Immy x

    www.immymay.com

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  29. Ah the quote in the title is actually my favourite ever <3 You'll be absolutely fine lovely, don't worry! x
    britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

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  30. Amazing post. Anxiety can seem so suffocating sometimes, I often have to change plans as the fear can cripple me but I have recently started tonlove the feeling of facing your fear and going for it. As cliche as it may sound, you do only live once. :)
    www.fallonrachelle.com x

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  31. Oh gosh, I think I'd freak out too if that happened to me. But you made it through and that's the best thing that could happen. I'm the girl that likes to organise and prepare too, so if I only have a week to take care of things, I might go on a panic attack. Hope you're doing fine and have fun at Marbella <3

    xx Bash |   go say   H E Y   B A S H

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  32. Hi dear and thank you for your visit! I totally agree with you about organisation....I don't like surprise or program's change!!! And I totally agree with you about this outfit....I have a new post on my blog! If you want, take a look at my blog and let me know what you think.....Have a nice day, kisses,
    Eni

    Eniwhere Fashion
    Eniwhere Fashion Facebook

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  33. Love the trench coat & strip top match!

    http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/

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  34. It is so reassuring reading that other people go through things like this too! Sometimes you can feel like everyone else is absolutely fine and I always wonder what it would feel like to be carefree. I suffer with anxiety also and it can be difficult to get out the house some days, self image, fears etc all play a massive part. I usually avoid all those fun things that make me feel so sick and unsettled, I will definitely try and remember the fulfilment after pushing yourself. Such lovely words of advice.

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  35. I know this is extremely last but I love you, I love your humble nature and your hard work and just, love you. Completely sympathise and know the fear, and it's so hard to let yourself off a bit isn't it?

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing

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Thank you so much for stopping by on my blog. I read and appreciate every single one of your comments so much!

xx

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