Courtney Hope takes a giant leap from Sally Spectra on The Young and the Restless

On The Young and the Restless, Sally Spectra is a character who has overcome huge hurdles throughout her lifetime. Courtney Hope, who plays Sally on both Y&R and The Bold and the Beautiful, has had to take her own leaps of faith.

Courtney decided to tackle a major fear this year — and in a really big way. The actress took to Instagram to share her experience and inspire others to do the same.

The Young and the Restless’ Courtney Hope takes her fears to new heights

Courtney shared videos of her swinging high above a net, looking like a natural and one who was truly scared of nothing. Taking to the trapeze was something Courtney had promised herself to check off by the end of the year, to do something big that she was scared of. A high-flying trapeze act was what she chose to go up against her, as she puts it, massive fear of heights.

In the caption, Courtney explains that she grew up with anxiety — not just the nervous, halting kind, but what she describes as crippling — and the effect it had on her life. The panic, worry, and doubt this caused affected her childhood and teenage years to the point where she quit things she loved doing because of the anxiety that stemmed from a sense of lack of control.

“Things I LOVED became a source of angst. I quit things I enjoyed because I was so scared of the lack of control. By the time I hit my late teens/ early twenties, I knew I had to make a change. I finally made a commitment that I was going to make it my mission to do as many things, as often as possible, that scared me. It wouldn’t be until years later it started to sink in how much my life would flourish when I took control of my spiraling mind and just lived my life fully through the fears and stopped putting shackles on my freedom to explore,” Courtney wrote.

I pushed past the confines of fear, which is rooted in ego, and pursued a trust within myself that could over ride my sometimes immobilizing panic. I began to accept that things arise that may be nerve wracking, but that doesn’t mean I have to be crippled by them. - Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra, Y&R) on Instagram

Courtney recalled that when she was 23, she and a friend jumped off a roof into the pool below. Despite their agreement to jump on “three,” Courtney leaped mid-countdown because she would have bailed if she waited for a second longer. “That became my slogan, “go on two,” and now I find a thrill in doing stimulating things because I know the feeling and growth I experience coming out the other side. That doesn’t mean the fear doesn’t exist, because I was SHAKING when I stepped on that trapeze platform, but at least it doesn’t stop me. If anything, it almost always makes for a great story!” Courtney explained.

Sally is fearless, but Courtney is not

To help herself get through this, Courtney made a commitment to herself that she was going to do as many things as she could that scare her and as often as possible. She finished her story by saying, “Here’s my invitation to do something you’re scared of, something that you truly want but are all wrapped up in the “what ifs” that you’ve yet to make a move. A deep peace is born when you live through the fullness of feeling instead of running from it.”

Be it an experience, a conversation, or a new habit, let’s support eachother in living life to the fullest and growing together in trust, courage and experience. - Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra, Y&R) on Instagram

Courtney’s co-stars and friends commented on her post and videos with support and positivity. Ashley Jones (Bridget, B&B) said, “Girl ! I am so proud of you.” “I’m proud of myself!” Courtney replied appreciatively. Conner Floyd, who plays Y&R’s Chance, quipped, “Ok, badass,” to which Courtney laughed.

Darin Brooks (Wyatt, B&B) added, “I’ve always wanted to do this!! Haha good for you!” Courtney encouraged him to try it and thought Brooks and his wife, Kelly Kruger (Mackenzie, Y&R), would love it.

This isn’t the first time Courtney has posted inspirational thoughts, encouraging people to push through their fears. She recently asked followers, “How often do you let your setbacks, heart breaks, breakdowns, failures and rejections stop you from running into the fire 🔥? Is the risk outweighing the potential gain?”

Courtney noted that those who were paralyzed by something traumatic had already proven they could “walk through the fire and come out the other side.” She told people that one thing she had learned about herself was that she “will keep running into the flames, even if it means I get burned, because life is too short to not set our souls on fire.”

Watch Courtney Hope on The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.