Fear has a way of creeping in when the lights are out—both literally and metaphorically. When we’re uncertain, overwhelmed, or vulnerable, our minds can convince us that the shadows hold monsters. And when we avoid shining a light on those fears—when we stuff them down, pretend they don’t exist, or try to outrun them—they only grow bigger, louder, and harder to face.
The truth? Fear feeds on silence and secrecy. When we leave it unchecked, it multiplies in the darkness of our minds. But when we turn on the light—through awareness, honesty, and courage—fear begins to shrink.
So if you think there’s a boogeyman around, it’s time to stop hiding under the covers. Flip the switch. Call it out. See it for what it is.
Darkness Is the Breeding Ground for Fear
Think about the last time you were afraid of something—really afraid. Chances are, it wasn’t the thing itself that scared you most. It was not knowing.
Not knowing what someone thought of you.
Not knowing how a situation would turn out.
Not knowing if you could survive the pain you were in.
The unknown is where fear lives. And the more we let our imagination run wild in that dark space, the more terrifying the “boogeyman” becomes.
But here’s the thing: most fears, when brought into the light, lose their power. Naming your fear is the first step in shrinking it. It’s not the monster under the bed—it’s your anxiety about failing, being rejected, or not being enough. Once you see it clearly, you can deal with it.
Shine the Light of Truth
When we start to shine a light on fear, it doesn’t mean the fear disappears overnight. But it does mean we stop letting it run the show.
For me, facing my fears meant getting rigorously honest with myself. I had to admit where I was scared and why. Sometimes it was rooted in old wounds or trauma. Sometimes it was tied to lies I had told myself for years. And sometimes, it was just the unknown of stepping into a new chapter.
The more light I brought in—the more I talked about my fears, wrote about them, or even prayed about them—the less they controlled me.
Fear thrives in the dark. Truth thrives in the light.
The Boogeyman Is Rarely What You Think
Most of the time, the “boogeyman” isn’t nearly as scary as we’ve built it up to be.
Maybe the conversation you’ve been avoiding brings clarity instead of rejection.
Maybe the risk you’ve been afraid to take opens a door you never thought possible.
Maybe the pain you’re carrying becomes lighter when you finally share it.
Fear wants you to stay in the dark. But your healing requires the light.
Flip the Switch
So how do you “turn on the light” when fear is looming?
- Name it. Write down exactly what you’re afraid of. No filters.
- Share it. Talk to someone you trust. Speaking fear out loud weakens it.
- Challenge it. Ask yourself: is this fear based in fact, or in old stories?
- Take one small action. Even the smallest step forward shines light into the dark.
The boogeyman can’t survive in the light.
So next time you feel fear creeping in, don’t stay stuck in the dark. Reach for the switch. Bring it into the open. Remind yourself: you are braver than the shadows.
SLAY Reflection
- What fear have you been keeping in the dark?
- How does avoiding it give it more power?
- What would shining a light on it look like for you?
- Can you trace your fear back to old wounds or beliefs?
- What’s one small action you can take today to face it?
S – Stop letting fear grow in silence
L – Let the light of truth guide you
A – Acknowledge your fears instead of hiding them
Y – Yield to courage, not the shadows
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What fear did you finally bring into the light—and how did it change things for you?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.
And if you know someone who’s hiding from their “boogeyman,” send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a light to remind us we’re not alone.
