By Laura Curtis

When I was a teenager, my family had horses. I hadn’t grown up riding them since they were boarded away from our home. My brothers spent a lot of time learning and riding with my dad, but occasionally my sister and I would tag along. One of the very first lessons my dad taught us was that horses can sense our fear — so we needed to approach and ride them with confidence.

One summer day, I was out riding with my dad when I got bucked off. I was scared out of my mind, trembling and crying. My dad quickly got off his horse, comforted me, and told me everything would be okay — but then he said I had to get right back on. What? No way. There was no way I was climbing back on that horse. What was he thinking?

He explained that it wasn’t optional. I had to get back on right then, before fear could settle in and grow. I had to stop overthinking and push through that obstacle. That summer day, my dad gave me a lesson I’ve carried throughout my life: life is full of obstacles. We fall, we stumble, we make mistakes — but we learn and grow when we get back on the proverbial horse.

The “Terror Barrier” reminds me so much of that experience — falling off and having to get right back on. It’s terrifying. Anxiety floods in. Our minds race with “what ifs.” What if I fall again? What if I get hurt worse next time? What if? What if? What if? If we’re not careful, we can “what if” ourselves right out of amazing opportunities.

But just like my dad taught me, Leslie Householder reminds us, “We must allow ourselves to take action on the new idea in spite of anxiety.” When we keep moving through the terror barrier, we build confidence and conquer that fear. We become capable of achieving the goals we’ve set. And beyond that, we start to get excited about the endless possibilities waiting for us on the other side.

Imagine all the things we’ll accomplish, the places we’ll go, the people we’ll meet, the impact we’ll make. This world becomes a better place when we step up, do the hard things, and grow into who we’re truly meant to be. And the best part? We don’t have to do it alone—we can trust in unseen help every step of the way.

“The only way out is through.” — Robert Frost

Just like recovering from a fall, the best way to face the “Terror Barrier” is head on—no avoiding it, no sidestepping, no sneaky escapes. Lean on the unseen support guiding you. Visualize yourself on the other side, triumphant, living the dream you imagined—only better. Ready to make your mark on the world?

Now… let’s get riding!