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As we continue to move through a time band containing the epochal challenge between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn, the year ahead once again holds great potential for breakdowns and breakthroughs.

We are not only being encouraged to transform, but, for many of us, we are forced to leave behind the familiar comfort of what life has been in order to venture into uncharted territory.

Fear of the unknown is a natural first response, but trying to hold on only creates suffering. The question is, how do we move forward when the path is uncharted? Courage holds the key.

In a recent Huffington Post article written by Carolyn Gregoire, the author provided six powerful suggestions for loosening the grip of fear and becoming more courageous. I would like to share them with you.

Be vulnerable.

Feeling unworthy can leave us living lives based on fear. It is our fear of letting others see who we really are and opening the potential for criticism that may prevent us from taking a courageous step forward. What is the fear? Why are we protecting ourselves? Courage and vulnerability go hand in hand.

Acknowledge your fears.

In order to act courageously, we need to be honest with ourselves about our anxieties and limitations. Living authentically requires that we admit our fear and know the risks, but choose to work through them to act with courage.

Expose yourself to what you fear.

The only way to deal with fear is to move through it. Force yourself to face what you fear. Fear casts a shadow that looks real until you look it in the eye. It is then you discover it really is only a shadow and shadows disappear when you shine the light of consciousness upon them.

Think positive.

It is a well-known fact that successful athletes benefit by practicing visualization and positive self-affirmations. We can benefit just as well. By building optimism, we create good emotions that lead to meaning and purpose, help us face the challenge of fear, and move us in the direction we want to go.

Manage stress.

Stress and fear work together. Fear of an imagined physical or emotional threat can lead to depression and anxiety.  However, both meditation and exercise enhance our ability to face our challenges courageously.

Practice courageous acts.

Courage is like a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to be strengthened. Aristotle wrote that we develop courage by performing courageous acts. He said, “You will never do anything in this world without courage.”

What change have your been resisting due to fear?

Have you allowed yourself to be vulnerable, acknowledged your fear, and exposed yourself to what you fear?

Perhaps if you think positive, manage your stress with meditation and exercise, and practice courageous acts, you will find that you can do what it takes to move forward into your desired future, even if it is unknown.

Rather than remaining paralyzed in fear, why not join me by courageously stepping forward in at least one area of your life in 2014?