Fear is something we all carry, though it shows up differently for each of us. It can keep us safe, but it can also hold us back from opportunities, relationships, and growth. We asked some brilliant members of the community to share the one fear that has shaped their choices the most—and their answers reveal just how universal, yet deeply personal, our struggles with fear really are.
Tanjarae Porter
For a long time the biggest fear that held me back was this deep-seated feeling of not being enough. It really stemmed from some childhood experiences and for years it showed up in all kinds of ways, whether it was feeling like I wasn’t qualified enough in my career, or just doubting myself in relationships and friendships. Read more>>
Lauren Hays
The fear of comparison has definitely been something to hold me back in life. It has a way of quietly stealing joy and progress, making you feel like your efforts will never measure up to the way someone else does it. Read more>>
Sara Amos
It took a really long time and a lot of painful missteps to realize that vulnerability is magic. I lived most of my life hiding my fears, insecurities, mistakes, judgements – anything that I thought may not be well received. I actively covered those things with bravado and a bold personality as often as I subconsciously hid them with humor and a busy lifestyle. Read more>>
Olivet
The fear of being ‘wrong’ has been crippling for me, as a perfectionist, and that is something I’ve really had to work hard to undo and reframe. When I came out as a lesbian in my late twenties, while married to a man, I couldn’t believe that I had gotten it wrong for so many years. Read more>>
Adriana White
One fear that’s held me back at times is the fear of the unknown. Not having all the answers or knowing how things will unfold has, in the past, made me hesitate or second-guess myself. But that’s exactly where faith comes in. I’ve come to realize I’m not supposed to know every step I’m called to trust, to believe, and to move forward anyway. Read more>>
Rebecca Elder
One fear that has followed me through much of my life is the fear of not being enough. It’s the quiet, persistent voice that told me to play it safe, that whatever I had to offer wouldn’t matter—or worse, wouldn’t be good enough. That fear held me back from going after things I truly wanted, especially when it came to writing a book. Read more>>
