Fear of…

How I Learned to Face My Fears, Transform Them, and Keep Moving Forward

Fear has a way of whispering in the back of your mind, convincing you that you’re not enough, that you’ll never get it right, or that the risks are too great. But what if I told you that fear doesn’t have to be the enemy? What if it could be the very thing that propels you forward? This is the story of how I learned to acknowledge my fears, understand them, and turn them into fuel for growth—and how you can too.

I want to talk about fear.

If I were to stop and really look at it, I’d realize I could be terrified of my life 100% of the time. I’d be afraid I’ve failed, that I haven’t accomplished anything worth living for. I’d fear that my curiosity, the very thing that drives me, might one day bury me. I’d worry I’ll never find someone who loves me, shows up for me, and gazes into my eyes like they’ve found a safe place that feels like home. I’d be afraid I don’t care enough about relationships to prioritize them. And sometimes, I’m terrified I’m not as smart as I think I am.

There’s a very real part of me that’s consumed by the fear that I’ll never get it right. That I care more about people than materialistic or capitalistic success. I fear my lack of foresight will leave me like Nikola Tesla—brilliant, exploited, and poor.

If I let myself entertain all these fears, I’d be stuck in an endless cycle of despair. I’d be depressed, calling my friends daily to complain about my ill fate.

But here’s the thing: I’m vividly aware that fear exists in the corridors of my mind. And I also understand that I have a choice.

Acknowledging Fear

I’d tell you this: we have to look forward. Because when we look back, all our fears and traumas are right there, waiting to entangle us in those vicious cycles of traumatic response.

I acknowledge fear. When it’s great, I move forward anyway. What I don’t allow it to do is incapacitate me, control me, or keep me stagnant.

Transforming Fear into Curiosity

If anything, I convert that fear into curiosity. I try to understand its roots, why it showed up, and how I can strategically empower myself to move forward with confidence.

Sometimes I go shaking, with tears in my eyes, terrified. But the one thing I refuse to let fear do is dictate how far I’ll go, the opportunities I’ll have, or the life I’ll experience.

You might have seen the certificates I’ve posted, the books I’ve read, or the places I’ve traveled to. A lot of those courses were me facing my fears. The books were my way of learning how to navigate and root them out. The travels? Those were because someone told me I should be afraid to go alone—and at first, I was.

The Role of Meditation

I’m going to harp on this because I wholeheartedly believe in it: meditation. Meditation. Meditation.

When fear ruled me, I wasn’t breathing. I wasn’t present with my thoughts. I was reactive, overstimulated, and disconnected from my body. I couldn’t even recognize the racing thoughts in my mind. There was no silence.

But because I’ve practiced, I can now stand in the middle of a chaotic room, hear all the noise, and still experience stillness. I’m seldom reactive. I think more. I’m patient. I observe. I make fewer costly mistakes. Hell, I even apologize less. (LOL.)

Practical Steps to Overcome Fear

Here are some specific practices that have helped me confront and transform my fears:

1. Journaling Daily:

Writing down my thoughts helped me unpack what was really going on inside me. It allowed me to see things for what they were, not what I wanted them to be.

2. Learning Nuance and Distinction:

Understanding the multidimensional world we live in required a paradigm shift. I had to learn to separate who I am as a spiritual person—someone who sees the beauty in all people—from the reality of who people are in this world. And I had to respect both.

3. Meditation:

Meditation helped me quiet my mind and see the stronghold that being overstimulated had on my awareness. It taught me to be present, to breathe, and to think clearly instead of reactively.

The Global Virtual Meditations

I started the Global Virtual Meditations because my guides led me to it. It’s a way to help people find a moment of silence, to check in with their bodies, to breathe. For my friends and family, there’s a lot to fear right now. We could all use a moment to disconnect, breathe, and meditate. It lessens the grip of fear, quiets the mind, and helps us think clearly instead of reactively.

I’ve added a small $5 donation to the Global Virtual Meditation because I believe in the power of partnership. But if you can’t afford it and want to join, just contact me. I got you.

How to Join the Global Virtual Meditations

Here’s how to get a seat at one (or all) of the next meditation sessions:

1. Fill out the Global Meditation Form to add your name to the list.

2. Check your email for the Calendly link.

3. Pick a date (or dates) that work best for you.

Final Thoughts

Fear will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By acknowledging it, understanding it, and taking actionable steps to confront it, we can transform fear into a force that propels us forward. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a moment to breathe, we have the power to choose how we respond.

So, take a deep breath. Acknowledge your fears. And then, take that next step forward—even if you’re shaking.

With love,

Shane 🦋