overcoming fear

Name Your Fear

I spent years in the dark, without realizing that fear was driving nearly every decision I made.
I was afraid of not getting what I wanted.
Afraid of losing what I had.
Afraid of not being good enough.
Afraid of what others thought of me.
Afraid you already knew what a horrible person I was.

Fear whispered lies and distortions at every turn, clouding my judgment and leading me down a spiral of bad decisions. And once those decisions were made, fear crept in again—this time afraid I’d be found out for them.
I lived in constant irritability and discontent.

The Fog of Fear

Fear doesn’t always show up loud and obvious.
It disguises itself.
It justifies itself.
For me, it was like a low-lying fog—ever-present, making it hard to see the next steps.

When I committed to getting honest with myself, I began to confront my fears. At first, I wouldn’t have said I was afraid of much—except the trajectory of my disease. I knew if I didn’t face my fears, they’d consume me.
But naming them? That took time, and guidance from others.

I had to learn to trust—both the people supporting me and myself. When you live in fear, trust evaporates. You’re stuck in fight-or-flight, always waiting for the next trauma.
Learning to live with honesty and peace was a new concept.

Step by Step

I slowed down.
I started asking myself: What’s the next right thing?
And when I didn’t know, I asked for help.
I had to push through the fear of asking.

As I peeled back the layers of myself, the fears began to reveal themselves—each one an opportunity to heal. Slowly, those fears fell away, replaced by better decisions and a clearer sense of the life I wanted to create.

Letting go of fear also allowed me to share my true self without being paralyzed by the thought of being judged or “not enough.”
The same vulnerabilities that once kept me isolated became the bridges that connected me with others—and helped others still stuck in fear.

What Are You Really Afraid Of?

Right now, many of us live with fear—understandably so, given the world’s circumstances.
But how many of those fears are real?
How many are imagined?
How many can we actually name?

You can’t let go of fear you won’t name.

Find it.
Flush it out.
Let it go.

Because you deserve a life built on freedom, not fear.

SLAY on.

SLAY OF THE DAY: Reflect & Rise

  • Would you say you are someone who lives in fear?

  • What are you afraid of?

  • Do you know what you are afraid of?

  • Which fears are real, and which are imagined?

  • Where do those fears come from?

  • What steps can you take to let go of imagined fears?

  • How can you approach real fears in your life with clarity and strength?

  • How does holding onto fear help or hurt you?

Remember:
Some fear is healthy. It keeps us safe.
But most fear just holds us back.
Look at your fears today, Slayer.
Figure out why you’re holding on.
Don’t let fear rob you of your best life.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one fear you’re ready to name—and take a step toward letting go of today?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s support each other’s journeys.

And if you know someone who might be feeling stuck in fear, send this to them.
Sometimes, naming a fear is the first step to reclaiming your power.

Sometimes It’s Not The Light That Guides Us But The Darkness That Pushes Us

We often hear that we should follow the light—look for hope, positivity, and healing to guide us forward. But what happens when the light feels too far away? When we can’t see it, let alone follow it?

There was a time in my life when the darkness wasn’t just around me—it was in me. It wrapped itself around everything I was and everything I believed about myself. It suffocated every flicker of light I had left. And the scariest part? I accepted it. I thought I belonged there. I convinced myself that if I just waited long enough, it would somehow resolve itself. But darkness doesn’t heal. It deepens—until you forget what light even looks like.

The Fear That Became Fuel

I’ve shared before that it was someone else’s story—someone brave enough to speak their truth—that gave me a tiny sliver of hope. Just enough to cling to. That story became my lifeline. I wasn’t ready to see my own light yet, but the fear of sinking further into that darkness became the fuel I needed to ask for help.

Sometimes, it’s not inspiration that gets us moving. It’s desperation. It’s the pain of staying the same. It’s the crushing weight of knowing if you don’t do something—anything—you might not make it. That fear can become a gift. A push. A nudge in a direction you’re not sure of, but one that takes you somewhere new. Somewhere better.

I often talk about seeking the light. But I know all too well that sometimes, the light isn’t what gets us started. Sometimes, the darkness is what pushes us toward the light we didn’t even know we were searching for.

The Lies Darkness Tells Us

Darkness is cunning. It doesn’t always show up like the monster under the bed. Sometimes it sounds like safety. Familiarity. Comfort. It whispers, “Stay here. At least here you know what to expect.”

But here’s the truth: darkness may feel familiar, but it is not safe. It convinces us we’re unworthy. It tells us we’re too broken to be seen, too far gone to be helped. It keeps us stuck with stories we’ve outgrown but don’t know how to let go of.

I used to think there was only one “right” way to heal. One perfect path forward. But that belief only kept me stuck longer. It wasn’t until I realized that healing isn’t a straight line—and it doesn’t always begin with light—that I gave myself permission to find my own way. Whether it’s a flicker of inspiration or a fire lit by fear, what matters is that you start.

The Gift of Desperation

They say necessity is the mother of invention, but I believe desperation is the spark of transformation. For me, it was the fear of staying in that deep, dark place that finally opened me up to something new. I call it the gift of desperation.

When what I was doing stopped working, I had to be willing to try something different—even if it scared me. Especially if it scared me. And that willingness, however small, cracked the door open to a new path.

It didn’t look like anyone else’s journey. It was messy. Uneven. Sometimes I was crawling more than walking. But I kept moving. I kept showing up. And little by little, I found my way out of the dark and into something resembling light.

Your Path Doesn’t Have to Look Like Anyone Else’s

There’s no single right way to heal, grow, or change. No template. No “should.” The truth is, we all have different catalysts. For some, it’s hope. For others, it’s heartbreak. For many of us, it’s both.

What matters is direction. If you’re moving toward a better version of yourself—whether by chasing the light or running from the dark—you’re on the right path.

The key is to remain open. To trust that no matter what’s behind you, what’s ahead can be better. And that willingness to shift—even if just a little—can create space for something powerful.

You Don’t Have to Stay Where You Started

If you’re in a dark place right now, I want you to know: you don’t have to stay there. The fact that you’re reading this means there’s still a flicker of light in you. Hold onto that. Feed it.

And if you can’t find your own light just yet, borrow someone else’s. Let their story, their voice, or even their presence guide you until you find your own strength. Sometimes the push of darkness is the very thing that leads us to the path we were meant to walk.

Always look for the light. But if you can’t see it yet, let the darkness give you the push you need for a better view.

SLAY Reflection

Take a moment to reflect, SLAYER:

  • S: Do you make changes by moving toward the light—or away from the darkness?

  • L: What moments in your life were driven by fear, and where did they lead you?

  • A: How can you reframe your current struggles as a push toward something better?

  • Y: What small shift can you make today to move forward, even if the light isn’t visible yet?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
Have you ever been pushed by darkness toward a better place?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s feeling stuck in the dark, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Nothing Fear-Based Is Real

Fear is a liar—but it’s a convincing one. I didn’t always know I was living in fear. In fact, for most of my life, I thought I was just being careful. But when I finally got honest with myself, I realized every decision I made was rooted in fear—fear of not being enough, fear of losing what I had, fear of being judged, fear of being alone.

And none of it was real.

Fear Doesn’t Live in the Present

Fear loves to play in the shadows of the past and the “what ifs” of the future. But when we ground ourselves in this moment, we realize that most of the things we’re afraid of? Aren’t actually happening.

When I finally started to live in the present, my fears—those loud, relentless voices—quieted down. They didn’t vanish overnight, but they lost their grip. Fear thrives on secrecy and silence. When I finally opened up about my truth, I wasn’t met with rejection. I was met with compassion. That was the moment I learned that fear’s power depended entirely on my willingness to believe it.

When You Speak the Truth, Fear Loses Its Voice

Fear told me that if I shared what I was going through, people would walk away. That I’d be labeled “crazy.” That no one would understand. And for a long time, I believed it.

But the moment I found the courage to speak up, something miraculous happened: no one ran. Instead, they leaned in. They listened. They helped. And in that moment, I realized: my fear had been lying to me all along.

Fear is cunning. It will dress up as protection. It will whisper old stories from the past and pretend they still apply. But when we act in contrary motion—when we move forward anyway—we take our power back.

Feel the Fear, Then Do It Anyway

Fear still shows up in my life, but now I know to ask:

  • Is this fear true right now?
  • Is this fear based on fact or just feeling?
  • Am I responding to reality or a recycled lie?

I’ve learned to breathe, to pause, and to stay present. And when fear tries to get loud again, I remind myself: “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

That’s not just a quote—it’s a truth I’ve lived.

The Power to Break Free Has Always Been Yours

There’s a difference between the fear that keeps us safe and the fear that keeps us small. The latter is what robs us of opportunity, connection, and joy. And here’s the truth: you are not powerless against it.

The more you speak your truth, the weaker fear becomes. And the more you move in spite of fear, the stronger you become. So today, choose truth over fear. Choose growth over comfort. Choose you.

Fear may knock, but it doesn’t get to live here anymore.

SLAY on.

SLAY Reflection

  1. Do you let fear control your life or stop you from going after what you want?
  2. What past situations did fear prevent you from experiencing fully?
  3. Can you identify a recent moment where fear held you back? How could you respond differently next time?
  4. When have you done something despite fear? How did that make you feel?
  5. If fear wasn’t in the driver’s seat, what would you pursue today?

S-L-A-Y:

  • See fear for what it is—a story, not a sentence.
  • Let yourself feel it, but don’t let it lead.
  • Act in spite of it.
  • You get to reclaim the pen and write a new ending.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one fear you’re ready to stop believing in today?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s letting fear write their story, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Creativity Takes Courage

It takes real courage to put your creativity out into the world. When we express ourselves creatively—whether through art, writing, music, or any other outlet—we’re exposing a part of ourselves. We’re showing something personal and vulnerable. And that can be scary.

The fear of criticism, rejection, or being told we’re “not enough” can stop us from ever taking that leap. So many people let their creative spark die out because they’re afraid of what others might say—or worse, what they might say to themselves. But here’s the truth: your creativity is a gift. And the world needs to see it.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

Overcoming the Fear

Before I found my own courage, fear kept me small. My creative fire was there, but it was often snuffed out by my own doubts. Opportunities would come my way, and instead of stepping into them, I let the voice in my head—the one telling me I wasn’t good enough—hold me back.

That voice, that negative “committee” in my head, whispered things like: “You’re wasting your time,” “You’re not talented,” or “You’ll embarrass yourself.” And for a while, I listened. I let those fears rob me of moments where I could have shined. I let them convince me that I wasn’t worthy of good things.

It wasn’t until I started learning to love myself—truly love myself—that I found the strength to fight back against those lies. I realized that fear was never the truth. The antidote was embracing vulnerability, leaning into my creative spark, and trusting that I was enough as I was.

Your Unique Light

Every single one of us is born with talents. They’re uniquely ours, and it’s up to us to nurture them and share them with the world. When you embrace your creativity and let your voice be heard, you give others permission to do the same.

It may feel like a leap of faith at first. But every time you step into your creativity—whether it’s a small act or a grand gesture—you’re building confidence. You’re feeding that inner flame.

Trust in the creative force inside you. Let it guide you. Believe that what you have to offer is not only enough, but valuable. When you embrace your gifts, fine-tune them, and share them, you inspire others to do the same. And sometimes, your greatest talent is simply having the courage to show up and express who you are.

SLAY OF THE DAY

  • Do you believe in yourself and your creative talents?
  • When opportunities arise, do you share your creativity, or do you hold back? Why?
  • What inspires you about the creativity of others?
  • Have you had a positive experience sharing your creative gifts? How did that make you feel?
  • If a past experience wasn’t positive, what could you have done differently to change that?
  • How have you grown by expressing your creativity?
  • What’s one courageous step you can take today to share your creative fire?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one creative step you’ll take today that makes you feel brave?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to let our creative flames burn brighter.

And if you know someone who’s holding back their creative gifts, share this with them.
Sometimes, we all need a reminder that we’re capable of more.

You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, You Just Have To Be

I used to believe I had to be perfect to show up.

Perfect timing. Perfect skills. Perfect hair, even. And if things didn’t line up just right—if I didn’t line up just right—I’d sit it out. I’d pass on the opportunity. I’d talk myself out of the dream. Looking back, I can’t count the chances I missed because I let perfectionism run the show.

But perfection is a lie we tell ourselves when we’re scared.

It gives us a reason to wait, to hide, to stay small. We convince ourselves we’re not ready, not worthy, not enough—so we don’t begin. But here’s the truth: Perfection is not required. Showing up is.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

It’s Never Going to Look Perfect—Do It Anyway

No one has it all figured out. No plan is bulletproof. No path is paved just right. Life is messy, and we’re messy too.

The trick is to move forward anyway.

Start with what you’ve got. Doubt? Bring it. Fear? Take it with you. Confusion? Totally normal. You don’t need to wait for the moment to be perfect—you just need to be brave enough to begin.

It reminds me of being a kid on the playground, standing in front of a merry-go-round already spinning. I’d spot my opening, take a breath, and jump. Was it scary? Sure. But it was also thrilling. I didn’t need a guarantee—I just needed to go for it.

So why do we stop doing that?

Because we’ve fallen. We’ve been judged. We’ve been told to wait until we’re “ready.” But the only way to be ready is to start anyway.

Flaws and All, You’re Already Enough

Let me say this loud for the people in the back:

You are already worthy of showing up.

You don’t have to be “fixed” or “perfect” or polished to begin. The real magic happens when you show up as you are. That’s what makes you relatable. That’s what makes you real.

You are perfect in your imperfection. Unique. Valuable. Needed.

And when you let go of chasing perfect, something incredible happens—you start living. You stop waiting. You begin to believe in what’s possible for you.

So whatever it is you’ve been putting off—start it. Show up. Say yes. Jump in. Your life isn’t waiting for perfect. It’s waiting for you.

SLAY Reflection

  1. What’s one thing you’ve avoided because you were waiting for the “perfect” moment?
  2. How has perfectionism kept you from living fully?
  3. What would it feel like to show up just as you are?
  4. What’s one small step you can take this week toward something you’ve been putting off?
  5. Can you write down 5 things that make you uniquely you—and remind yourself why they matter?

S-L-A-Y:

  • Start without needing it to be perfect.
  • Listen to your inner voice—not your inner critic.
  • Accept yourself as you are, flaws and all.
  • You are the magic you’ve been waiting for.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What have you been putting off because it wasn’t perfect?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck waiting for the “right time,” send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.