Fear has stopped me from doing many things in life. Fear causes excuses, it creates missed opportunities, but the worst result of giving into fear is the growth it prevents. Fear is crippling and stifling. There have been times when I’ve been so burdened with fear, I’ve literally felt the weight of the stress I was carrying.
The beautiful thing about fears is when you choose to confront them, you’ll gain fulfillment in return.
This blog is a product of fear. For years, I’ve had conversations with friends and family about my desire to start a blog. I wrote for many blogs in college (I even wrote an eBook that I tried to get published on campus). Even though I had no problem putting out work with larger publications, the thought of having to present my work alone was fear-inducing.
I made up every excuse in the book:
- I don’t have time
- I don’t have money
- I don’t know what to write about
But when I really forced myself to look at why I didn’t want to make a blog, none of those very generic excuses worked: I was afraid of being vulnerable.
Fear exposes our insecurities. Our fear of failure. Our fear of rejection. No one likes to look vulnerable. In this age of constant projection, we can easily create a mirage where everything is perfect, and we are always #OnPoint. But who are we kidding? We know that’s not realistic, yet we feed into anyways.
My vulnerability is my writing. I have always seen myself as a writer and an orator. Yet still, for years, I couldn’t bring myself to put pen to paper, or fingers to a keyboard.
Then a turning point came. I kept a journal where I would write down thoughts with the very loosely held idea that one day, I’d put them on a blog. I knew I wanted to share my ideas with others, but I just couldn’t do it. Over winter break, I had endless hours with absolutely nothing to do, so I got to writing again. After weeks spent researching blogs, fleshing out ideas, and writing, I started to see all the positives that creating a blog could bring. The adrenaline that once pumped through my body in fear, was now that same energy motivating me to make it happen.
It’s so easy to become disheartened when all you can do is think of the negatives and let the fear consume you. But turn that fear into courage. Use it as fuel to drive your curiosity. Trust yourself enough to believe that you can be successful and find fulfillment where there was once fear.
This blog is my fear on display. I certainly have not conquered all my fears but eliminating this one makes space in my brain to start tackling all the others.
To paraphrase a line from an early ’00’s game show, don’t let fear be a factor for you.
I encourage you to join me as I continue to say no to fear and yes to growth. Download your free #NoFear February workbook here.
Fear can cripple you from things you are destined too, So it is important to push past that fear. I started my blog after submitting an article to another blogger. Never heard back from her, so I started my own blog. Glad you are able to overcome some of your fears about writing.
Yes, congratulations welcome to the blogging community!
I’m so glad that you decided to face one of your fears and start this blog. Your writing is so honest and real. It’s amazing how much life just opens up for you when you no longer allow yourself to be held back by fear.
Wow thank you so much!
Amazing post! Very inspiring and I’m happy to read that you are facing your fears head on.
You are spot on with this! I’ve also allowed fear to get in the way of things I knew I should’ve attacked head on. As of lately, I’ve been reminding myself that it is okay to feel afraid but I just can’t stay there.
Exactly. You got this girl!
My blog started as an just an idea (as most things do) but once I started I ran into the “what do I write about” problem. I realized very recent, I have things to write about but the fear of being so vulnerable and open to an entire world of people is what is holding me back. I recently posted 2 post that required me to open up a bit but I’m still hesitant. Proud of you for overcoming your fears and I hope one day I can allow my vulnerability to push me to write more.
Writer’s block is very real, but working through it feels so rewarding.
I am so happy that you write on this topic. Fear has crippled me as well from doing a lot of what I desired. I blogged on and off for years and decided to take it more seriously last year. I still have some fears as I am learning to grow my brand but that one encouraging moment I had to stay consistent is helping me overcome.
Yes! Taking action is the first step. You got this girl!
I am SO proud of you for facing your fears! Thank you for being so candid. You had a wonderful blog and are an articulate writer. Taking that first step to creating this space to be yourself is probably just what the doctor ordered to start facing some of the other fears in your life! I hope to hear more about your journey along the way!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Psalms 34:4
I sought the lord , and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears
Matthew 6:34
Do not worry about tomorrow, for
Tomorrow will worry about itself.