Everything you want is on the other side of fear

The quote “Everything you want is on the other side of fear,” often attributed to George Addair, is one I’ve heard many times, but it truly resonated with me when my husband and I were contemplating home educating our children, a decision that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. Although the quote applies to various aspects of my life - career changes, house moves, and more - it was this moment of uncertainty that brought its meaning into sharp focus.

For years, we’d dreamed with close friends about the idea of "world education." Sometimes lighthearted, other times serious, we fantasised about selling everything, traveling the globe with our children, and immersing ourselves in diverse cultures and climates. We pictured ourselves free from modern constraints, allowing our children to learn through experience and exploration. These conversations were thrilling but always ended with a wistful, “Wouldn’t that be amazing? Ah well, back to reality!” The dream remained just that - a dream. Practical challenges, like coordinating two families with four adults and five kids, were part of it, but for me, there was a deeper obstacle: fear.

Fear showed up in many forms. Fear of failure - what if we couldn’t make it work and had to return to our old lives and, heaven forbid, school? Fear of judgment - from friends, family, and even strangers. Fear of change - I often claim to thrive on change, yet the process of embracing it can still be daunting. Fear of the unknown - home or world education is not the well-trodden path, and I had no examples to follow or blueprints to guide me. And perhaps most paralysing of all, fear of letting others down. What if this unconventional choice wasn’t the right one for my family?

Fast forward to now: we’ve taken the leap and decided to home educate our children. While we aren’t traveling the world (yet), we’ve stepped away from the traditional education system and embraced a new way of life. Those fears didn’t disappear; they were still present as we made our decision. But I learned to look beyond them, to the possibilities on the other side.

Nearly a year into this journey, I find myself transformed. The fear of failure has become an opportunity to learn and grow. The moment we chose this path, I let go of the fear of judgment. Doing something that feels so aligned with my values has made external opinions irrelevant. The fear of the unknown has been replaced by a profound curiosity for where this journey will lead us. The unknown isn’t something to fear - it’s something to explore. And the fulfilling moments we’ve experienced along the way have made every uncertainty worthwhile.

Reflecting on the quote again, I now see that fear isn’t the barrier it appears to be. It’s the doorway to possibilities you can’t yet imagine. On the other side of fear lies freedom - the freedom to live authentically, to follow your curiosity, and to carve out your own unique path. Home education has taught me to trust myself and my family, even when the road is unconventional. It’s been a leap of faith that has brought us closer, opened doors to extraordinary learning opportunities, and filled our lives with joy and discovery.

Stepping through fear hasn’t just changed our lifestyle; it has given me the confidence to embrace the unknown and believe that the best adventures begin when you let go of what’s holding you back. Fear, I’ve learned, is just a beginning, not an end.