Walking Has Taught Me to Not Be Afraid of Doubt
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
Doubt is the uncertain terrain where questions reside and beliefs are tested. It's a natural part of the human experience, and can serve as a prompt for us to seek understanding and to grow. Embracing doubt with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness can lead to valuable insights and a deeper connection to our own truths. The way I have come to embrace doubt is to walk. I feel grounded, rooted, and confident when I walk — and as a result, the process of exploration feels safe and my curiosity flourishes.
On a recent trip to Iceland to host the Hornstrandir Film Festival, I had 10 days to explore doubt (also beauty, bravery, trust, and love). Each day, we would walk a lot. We faced unclear trails, variable weather, and a very challenging descent down the face of a fjord. It was this last experience that really introduced me, intimately, to doubt. Could I get down the trail? What if I couldn’t? Then what?
I have found that with a few shifts in my body, my equilibrium has changed. I guess it might be age. My 61-year-old body is different from my 35-year-old body. I never used to feel wobbly with heights, but I am now (despite the fact that I am getting my pilot’s license). Has my inner ear changed? My vision? Well, whatever it is, my new reality is such that a narrow path, a steep cliff to one side, and rumbly scree everywhere put doubt right in front of me on this day. Doubt is clever. Doubt can be convincing.
The name of the game when doubt is whispering in your ear and won’t be quiet is first, acceptance, and then, ask for help. Two things I am not very good at. In this case, I tried to acknowledge that things had shifted, that it was ok, and that it was an opportunity for curiosity and learning. And then I asked for help and support. Thankfully, I was surrounded by people I could trust with helping me down. My dear friend Claire walked in front of me, talking me through each step, and wonderful Bradley was behind, holding onto my backpack. I felt so supported. Doubt diluted. It didn’t disappear, but it certainly wasn’t staring me right in my face any longer. When I got to the bottom of the fjord, I burst into tears. Tears of gratitude, tears of bravery, tears of happiness that it was over, and tears of love for my people.
“Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.”
I have now shifted how I think about and hold doubt. I now see it as a wonderful tool for expansion and a magical opportunity to extend and learn. Embrace doubt. Look her square in the eye and ask her what she has to teach you. Hold her with tender acceptance and look around you for the helpers.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.