Take Two—10/30/2025
Ideas and inspiration for a life less ordinary.
October 30, 2025
Words to Wonder:
The Antidote to Fear
“Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the making of action in spite of fear, the moving out against the resistance engendered by fear into the unknown and into the future.”
— M. Scott Peck
Perspectives to Ponder
I have an unusual relationship with fear. There’s ample evidence in my life that I’m willing to do things that scare me. My curiosity has led me to swim with sharks, compete in martial arts tournaments, backpack through the wilderness, jump off cliffs, and—perhaps most terrifying of all—raise kids.
Yet I still get anxious when I fly. I dread going to the doctor. And despite having given thousands of talks to all kinds of audiences, I still face fear every time I share something I write—whether it’s this newsletter, a quick post on LinkedIn, or especially, a book.
When I speak, the words vanish once they’re said. But when I write, they live forever. There’s a vulnerability in that permanence. No one wants to look foolish, and publishing words always carries the risk that someone will find them stupid, irrelevant, or meaningless. And yet, we all want what we create to matter.
So why am I telling you this? Mostly to remind myself (and maybe you) that action is the antidote to fear. Moving against the resistance, into the unknown, is scary—but it’s also where growth begins and new adventures take shape.
Where has fear been holding you hostage from the life you want to live? Where could you take one step forward today, even while afraid?
I’m always grateful for the quiet voices that whisper courage into my own fears—reminding me to keep going. If you need someone in your corner, let me know. I’ll gladly cheer you on as you brave new waters.
THINGS WORTH THINKING ABOUT
MORE TO THE STORY
Last week I shared my disappointment at discovering there was no cherry pie hiding inside the Crisco can in my cupboard. Turns out I wasn’t alone in my pie-related disappointment.
One reader wrote to tell me that when she was four, she dug a hole in the yard, filled it with Crisco, covered it with dirt, and watered it faithfully for days—hoping to grow an apple pie tree.
Turns out, the recipe for disappointment starts with a can of Crisco.
EARLY KINDLE RELEASE—Words to Wonder
The Kindle edition of Words to Wonder comes out next week—one week before the official November 10 launch. For a short time, you can get it for just $0.99.
I’d love for you to grab a copy, enjoy it, and share it with a friend.
LIFE LESSONS IN A LINE
BEFORE YOU GO
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably hoping for a week free of fear. But in the (unfortunately) likely event that we’re not so lucky, may you find the courage to take action — even a small one — and step into the unknown adventures your fears would keep you from.
Stay inspired by the life you’re living,
Kevin