Do It Afraid!

I used to have a strong fear of people and what they thought about me. Having that fear prevented me from doing things I really wanted to do. I realized this was a toxic and hindering mentality to have, so I made a decision that completely changed my life and that was regardless how afraid I felt, I will never let that stop me from doing anything that I want to do. One of my favorite bosses gave me a reality check when she saw that I wasn’t performing how I should because I was afraid, she said sometimes you have to pretend that you have the confidence to complete tasks and ultimately do it afraid. Those were the realest words I have ever heard in my life. Since then, I have taken her advice, learned from my past experiences, and grew to do what I needed to do, despite the feeling of fear that still lingered. Numerous times I had to pretend to be confident and do it afraid, whether is was public speaking, voicing my opinion, or standing up for what I believe in. I did it until I didn’t have to pretend anymore.

I wanted to reach out and encourage you to not give up on a dream or something you want to do because of fear. Fear is just a temporary feeling, that tries to fake a permanent residence. You want a new career, put yourself out there and do it afraid. If you don’t agree with injustice but have feelings of fear, disregard those and stand up for what you believe in. We pass up so many opportunities when we let fear control our lives. Not only fear but when we let others control us because of that ugly word, fear.

It took a long time but I am finally free from letting others control how I feel. I literally don’t care what others think of me. I think highly of myself and that’s really all that matters. Once we release the unnecessary opinions of others, we are free and don’t have that feeling of fear anymore. Even if I am uncomfortable with trying something new, I don’t let fear consume and prevent me from trying I take control of that feeling and do it anyways.

Mama, you want success, love, friendship but have that feeling of fear hindering you from moving forward? It’s okay, do it afraid. Don’t let fear defeat you and prohibit you from following your dreams, whatever that may be. You have the power to conquer fear because you are the master of your life and emotions. All you have to do is take one step forward, feel all of those intense feelings, and still, do it afraid!