Fear is a Friend, not Foe

Fear had always felt like an enemy. It pressured me to say no to opportunities and forced me to stay put when I felt like growing. For as long as I can remember, I let fear dominate my life. But in my early 20s—when I was able to heal my inner-child, I’ve gotten to know myself better.

I’ve also gotten to know Fear better.

The more I revisited those fearful moments, the more I realized: Fear can only destroy if you let it. But Fear can also be a source of strength if you let it. This shift—this transformation helped me understand that I can coexist with it; not to let it destroy me but to let it guide me. Now, whenever I feel its presence, it’s a signal that I am stepping into a new territory. An edge to the unknown. Fear may then grab my shoulder and ask, “are you ready?” to then I will answer truthfully: “I’m not…” “But I’m brave enough to try.”