Fear comes in at the strangest times and kicks into high gear when we’re least expecting it, in a space of creativity, and challenging ourselves to grow. Experiencing fear doesn’t have to be negative. In today’s episode I’m cracking open the book of vulnerability and sharing not only incredible resources from people like Brene Brown and Liz Gilbert, I’m also sharing my personal experiences with fear. 

Taking steps towards a bigger version of you requires that fear be present. Every time I step into the unknown and do the things that scare me most, like starting this podcast, I choose to use my fear as my compass, which lets me know I am on the right track, expanding and growing. 

Tools & Reframes to Help You Overcome Fear 

Having the right tools when you need them is key to managing healthy emotional responses. The first tool comes from Elizabeth Gilbert and at the end of this episode we’re going to put this tool into practice right away. In her book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Liz writes a letter to fear. This is about creating space for fear, acknowledging it, not pushing it away, not ignoring it, but welcoming it along for the ride. There’s power in acknowledging it and allowing it to have a voice, while knowing you will not allow it to make decisions or drive the vehicle. I have made this letter to fear my mantra for life.  

In Brene Brown’s book, Atlas of the Heart, we’re reminded that fear is a natural protective response and to our brains, physical and emotional pain all feel the same way. Practice recognizing what you’re afraid of and choose to be brave anyway. 

Another helpful tool to deal with fear and learning about emotional suppression is Susan David’s book Emotional Agility. So many of us try to ignore our fear, and in reality, by avoiding and suppressing our fears, we make them bigger and stronger in time. We end up being controlled by fear rather than having control over it. Give yourself permission to feel the fear without suppressing it. 

“Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story” -Cheryl Strayed 

The last tool I’ll share here is from Marie Forleo’s simple test to decipher between fear and intuition. When we’re faced with opportunity, it’s sometimes difficult to know if you’re wanting to say no because fear is kicking in or if you’re saying no because your gut is saying this isn’t right for you. Close your eyes and settle down, then ask yourself with total awareness to how your body responds. Does it feel expansive, light and joyful or is it more dread, despair and a heaviness there? 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.” -Marianne Williamson  

This Week’s Tool to Help You With Fear Comes from Elizabeth Gilbert: 

We are going to write a letter from our fear. 

Resources from this episode: 

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart  

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/3e3JI8V  

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://amzn.to/3qhGjGJ   

Fear and Other Uninvited Guests by Harriet Lerner:  https://amzn.to/3RGo7SP  

Bittersweet by Susan Cain: https://amzn.to/3Txgr72  

Emotional Agility by Susan David: https://amzn.to/3R5S6na  

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