theo... firstly, many blessings on this phase you are entering, the unknown is the biggest fear factor there is... blessings and courage to you. Courage though, is not the absence of fear but what moves us despite being afraid. Having a goal of reduced fear is a good one, but takes time and practice. The practice comes each time we act anyway. To go into territory with the goal of not being afraid will possibly lead to disappointment and give you problems remaining confident because it isn't really helpful to aim for a lack of fear... aim instead for courage. Knowing that fear will come regardless removes the expectation that somehow you have the power to prevent it. Feelings just are, they come and we don't cause that. Gaining experience in managing that fear is what will reduce it's unpleasant presence.

so go into this with the full knowledge that fear is going to jump right into the seat next to you - but smile and feel brave. Handling new situations, walking into the unknown can be like going on an amusement ride - see fear as a motivator, as a sparring partner... let it be your indicator but not your master.

every little victory you get... every time you strap yourself into that seat, make sure you take the moment to remind yourself that you can ride any ride in the park and although you might throw up, you will walk out alive. It's really important to do that... to openly acknowledge to yourself that you can do it because you are doing it and have done it. Sometimes you may lose the battle, sometimes things don't work out the way we want and painful things unfold, but that is life, it doesn't mean you have lost the fight with fear. The only way to lose a battle with fear is to let it lead you.

so aim for courage theo... be afraid and act anyway

peace