Chapter 178:
Confronting Fears
Max’s POV:
The sun was slowly dipping, bathing his art studio in golden hues. The pungent smell of oil paints and turpentine mixed with the freshly brewed strong coffee as Max stroked wide strokes of cerulean blue on his newest canvas, lost in thoughts when his studio door creaked open. It was Megan who stepped inside. Normally confident strides had been replaced by hesitant ones.
“Hey, Megan,” Max called out as he set his brush down. “What’s up? You look like something’s weighing on your mind.”
Megan waved little and walked toward him; her expression turned serious. “Hey, Max. I was just hoping we could talk. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with things, and I could really use some advice.”
He gestured toward the bench nearby, where they could sit. “Sure thing. What’s wrong?”
Gingerly, Megan sank into the seat, stroking her locks and meeting his eyes in the studio. “I’ve been battling my self-esteem. The training has been really hard lately, and I started questioning whether this was all worth it.”
Max settled beside her, weighing her words. “Doubts are part of the journey, Megan. The best of the best in the world- hepsi. What’s made you feel this way?
Megan exhaled heavily. “Everything, training, the upcoming fight, expectations from everyone. I just keep getting this feeling that maybe I am not cut out for it, that I am just not good enough.””.
Max sat a moment, studying her, before speaking. “You are not the only one feeling this way. Any athlete, artist-everyone that pushes themselves to the limits has doubts. The key is how to address them head on instead of letting them take control of you.”
Megan’s eyes reflected both frustration and vulnerability. “How do you overcome these doubts? What if I hit my threshold, and I just don’t see it?”
Max smiled, their eyes locking. “I have overcome my share of doubts too. The way I handle it is through the process, not just the end product. It’s feeling your progress and trusting in the work you put in.”
Megan nodded slowly, ruminating over his words. “That makes sense, but it’s hard to stay positive when the pressure feels so intense.
Max’s expression softened. “I understand. Pressure can feel overwhelming, I know. Keep in mind why you started the journey. You’ve always been driven by your passion and desire to prove yourself. Keep that at the forefront of your mind.”
Megan bit her lip, the moral wrestle there. “I’ve been trying, but every time I feel I’m getting better, then something happens and I’m back to square one.”
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Progress is not linear. Setbacks happen. It is how you come out of them that matters. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to be stronger.”
Megan’s shoulders relaxed just a bit. “I just haven’t been looking at it that way. I have been so caught up in the ultimate goal that I lost perspective on how far I’ve come.
Max nodded. “It’s easy to get caught up in the bigger picture. Sometimes you need to take a step back, appreciate the small victories. You have really come along, and for that, I am proud.”
Megan’s eyes met his; they flickered a little with hope. “You really think so?
Max smiled broader. “Absolutely. I’ve seen how hard you worked, how dedicated you are. You made incredible strides, and those aren’t to be ignored.”
Before Megan could respond, the studio door opened again and Josh walked in with a gym bag, seeing Megan and Max talking he gave a nod, a friendlier one. “Hey, you two. I hope I’m not interrupting.”.
Megan now turned around, her face exhausted, but there was some visible relief in her eyes and still some anxiety. “No, not at all. I just spoke to Max about some doubts.
Josh set down his backpack and walked towards them. “Doubts, huh? I think everybody’s had those-especially when the stakes are high. What can we do to help?”
Max shot a grateful glance at Josh for his interruption. “Megan’s been feeling overwhelmed and just a little insecure about her abilities. We were talking about how to deal with those emotions.”
Josh nodded as he sat down beside Megan. “That is a tough place to be. Sometimes you want to talk it out with someone who’s done it before.”
Megan smiled slightly, grateful. “I think just talking to both of you helps. I just need to remember why I started this in the first place.”
Josh looked thoughtful. “It’s easy to lose sight of that amidst the pressure. Maybe focus on what you’ve accomplished so far and how far you have come. Sometimes a reminder of those past successes can be a big boost.”.
“Exactly. And don’t be afraid to do so. We’re all here for you, to get through the real crap,” Max added. Megan’s expression lightened a hair. “Thanks, both of you. I really am grateful. Sometimes it just feels hard to stay positive.”
Josh then came a bit closer to me; his tone was very encouraging: “Whoever wants you to be at the top all the time? Nobody. It is okay to have doubtful days or tough days. What matters is your comeback out of them.”
Max nodded in appreciation. “And remember, setbacks are part of the process. They don’t define your abilities. Your commitment and determination do.”.
She took a deep breath then, feeling a little better. “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind. That does help a little to know that people believe in me.”
Josh smiled at her reassuringly. “We do believe in you. And we’ll be here through thick and thin, through the hard times and the triumphs.”
“Absolutely. You are not alone in this. We all face them, but it’s how we cope with them that makes a difference.” Max chipped in.
With this, Megan started picking up confidence, bit by bit, through their discussion. This was all she needed to spur her on from Max and Josh to come out of her doubts and keep moving.
“Thanks again,” Megan said, standing. “I do feel better talking it out. I’ll keep pushing forward and focus on what progress I’ve made.”
Max also stood, extending his hand. “No problem, Megan. Remember, we are always here to help you out. And don’t hesitate to reach out for more support.”
Josh rose with a pat on his bag. “Yeah, and we will keep working that confidence. You got it.”
As Megan left the studio, Max and Josh locked that look again-the one that said this road ahead might be long.