The Freedom—and Fear—of Living/Choosing a Different Path
There’s a familiar life script many of us grew up believing we’d follow: go to school, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids, save for retirement. It’s predictable. It’s praised. It’s a familiar rhythm—and choosing a different beat can feel like going off-grid.
For those of us doing life without kids, that choice often comes with unexpected emotions, and maybe some unsolicited advice, awkward dinner party questions, and fears you didn’t expect to face. But beyond the noise, there’s often a quieter fear too: What if I’m getting it wrong? — Can anyone relate??
At PARALLEL, we believe doing life differently than the majority isn’t something to fear or be anxious about — it’s an opportunity!
Living outside the traditional life path opens up space for intentionality, growth, and courage. It’s why we’re so passionate about helping members lean into the unknown. Whether it's signing up for that first-ever solo trip abroad, finally taking that sabbatical, or exploring a career pivot, members of our community are redefining what bold looks like.
Facing your fears doesn’t mean diving in headfirst. It can be a slow build—especially with the right support.
🛠 Here are a few go-to strategies we love:
Start small: Dip your toe in. Baby steps count.
Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or meditation can help calm the body’s fear response.
Find your people: Everything feels easier (and more fun) with community support.
Ask for help: Therapy, coaching, or even a fear-facing friend can be a game changer.
Upcoming PARALLEL Experiences to Push Through Fear:
👉 Fear of big social events? Join our Find Your Five Dinners: These curated small-group dinners make connection easy.
👉 Fear of heights? We’ve got an indoor rock climbing experience coming up in June.
👉 Fear of financial instability? We’re having some solid money discussions in our book club, unpacking: The Childfree Guide to Life & Money
So, what fear are you ready to face next?
You’re not alone in this. Whatever you're afraid of, there’s likely someone in PARALLEL facing it too—and we’re cheering you on while we all tackle our stuff.
Let’s tackle it together. 💪🏽