Fear. That nefarious four-letter word has the power to creep up on you and derail you.
I’ve experienced fear in many forms, as many of you have. I’ve learned over the years to recognize it for what it is, acknowledge it and kick it to the curb.
You know what I am talking about. Self-worth, depression, anxiety, and more.
As a veteran who lives with PTSD due to sexual assault, for years I let fear creep into my days as well as my sleeping hours. Stealing peace and rest. Stealing joy and self-worth.
Once I recognized it for what it was, I worked to relegate it to where it belonged. In the garbage.
Has it been an easy journey? No. But it is one I wouldn’t change as that journey that I was set upon has made me who I am today. I could have chosen to stay in my muck, self-medicate, or any number of things that would not have been good for me. I chose to fight. I fought for my peace of mind, my self-worth, and my joy.
The world has changed drastically. That change ushered in new fears for many. I made myself a promise to let fear bounce. It would not land on me or steal my joy. It has become my mantra and I share it regularly.
How can I let fear bounce? I take my past experiences and put them into words, verbal or written. There is power in sharing your story; power to heal, to embrace, to encourage, and to provide hope. I can’t think of any reason why I would not want to provide any of those things to someone struggling.
Each time I share my story with someone, a small piece of the weight falls away from my shoulders. Not only that, it shines as a small light for someone who may be sitting in darkness. Letting them know that they too can weather the storm and come out stronger for it.
I’ve been able to accomplish much more than I anticipated or was able to see once I realized that I can be a light for someone. I am a multi-published author, a freelance writer, podcast host, and speaker. I am a mother, a friend, a shoulder to lean on when it is needed and ears to listen when someone needs to let go of some of their darkness. It comes naturally to me as I know what it feels like to be in a place where you feel alone and unable to cope.
I am on a mission. I will continue to toss small pebbles of kindness out into the world, one word at a time. There is power in kindness and power in your story. Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing your story and potentially changing someone’s world. I may not change the entire world, but I can change one person’s world.
