In my bio, I talk about doing something scary every year. It's become a thing I look forward to—a chance to face fears and grow. Last week, I tackled the challenge of getting my International Coaching Federation credentialing. Three hours of tough scenarios, figuring out the best and worst answers. My advice if you're thinking about it: get really familiar with the competencies.

As I look back on past years, there were exciting adventures and journeys, like solo trips and trying out new sports. There were also unexpected challenges, like the time I had two hip surgeries. It wasn't planned. The first surgery was because my femur was shifting, and the second was due to a fracture after the first. It was scary, thinking I might not come back from it. The fear of not being able to do the things I loved was real.

Dealing with those surgeries wasn't just about my body; it was also about questioning who I was. Would I be able to get back to the things I enjoyed? It was tough, but my faith, family, and friends helped me see that coming back from being bedridden was about taking it step by step. I might not be 100%, but I'm doing my best, and that's a big part of facing fears.

I learned that facing fears isn't always about completely overcoming them. It's about adapting and finding a new normal. After those surgeries, I might not be surfing on one leg anymore, but I've found joy in using a Wave Ski when I'm in the water. It's a different kind of surfing, and it shows me that facing fears is also about finding new ways to enjoy life.

Looking back, each year's scary thing added something to my life. From trying new sports to dealing with unexpected health issues, each experience shaped who I am today. As I get ready for the next scary thing, I carry with me the lessons learned—that facing fears is not just about courage, but also about adapting and bouncing back. The journey continues, and so does the tradition of facing fears each year.