When was the last time you were scary excited?

June 23, 2025

I believe we need to be scary excited on a somewhat regular basis. Or else we’re getting complacent.

What’s scary excited?

My personal definition of scary excited is when I’m about to do something and I’m really excited about it but also a tad scared or apprehensive. Hence: scary excited!

Currently I’m scary excited about an upcoming 7-day Advanced Retreat from Dr. Joe Dispenza. I’m thrilled to be there in person—especially because I took the required ‘basic’ course online. But I’m also a little nervous about what it will put in motion and how intense the days will be.

If you know me, you’ll know I’m not an early riser. So when I heard the starting times of the retreat, it was a good thing I had already registered. 😉

Doors open at 5.30 a.m. and starting at 6 a.m. is intense in my book. Especially when each day ends at 7 or 8 p.m. And I’m not going to think too much about that one day when doors open at 3.30 a.m. and we start at 4 a.m. (not a typo).

Or as the lady who told me (and saw the look on my face) said “There’s no problem with my English. I really said 4 a.m.” At least I was not the only person who thought that was unusual.

I’m secretly counting on my jetlag to get me through those early hours.

But I digress.

I believe we need to be scary excited regularly because it’s a sign of growth. It’s an indication you’re venturing outside your comfort zone and are trying something new.

Stand still at your own peril

In Dutch we have the saying “Standing still is going backwards.” Which indicates that you need to move forward/grow/evolve in order to not be worse off. Like in nature where things are either growing or dying—literally.

Since we’re as much part of nature as everything else—though we may not always act like it—the same ‘grow or die’ principle goes for us as well. From muscles to neural circuits, if you don’t use it you’ll lose it.

So in order to keep moving forward, you need to grow and if you’re really taking a (personal) growth step it’s bound to be uncomfortable or scary exciting.

Breaking out of your comfort zone

By the way, when you’re coming up against resistance that’s simply a sign you’re venturing into uncharted territory and your brain doesn’t have the data it would like to have in order to keep you safe. Therefore, it’s going to try to trick you into taking a step back so you’re safely inside your comfort zone (aka familiar territory) again.

Your fear may need more oxygen

You may have heard me share this quote before:

“Fear is excitement without the breath” – Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt Therapy.

The insight that your fear might be part excitement is profound and something I try to keep in mind. Hence my enthusiasm for being scary excited.

When was the last time you were scary excited?

If that’s been more than six months—or if it simply feels too long ago—here’s your gentle nudge. I recommend identifying and taking one small action this week toward something that makes you feel that perfect mix of thrilled and slightly nervous.

What would that be for you?

PS If you’re going through a major overhaul in your life with either health, relationships, job, home etc., this is not the moment to add more things. But please keep this in mind for when life settles down again.

Need support navigating your life? Iris van Ooyen is your guide to hope when life feels uncertain. In the moments when you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Iris offers clarity, support, and a path forward. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love. Contact Iris to help you navigate life’s pivotal crossroads with confidence and purpose.