Fear keeps so many of us from stepping into the life we’re meant to live. It tells us to stay safe, to stay small, and convinces us to avoid risks. But here’s the truth: growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. The ship is safest at the shore, but that’s not what it was built for—and neither are you.
In this post, we’ll unpack fear—why it shows up, how it holds you back, and the ways you can move through it. I’ll also share my personal experience of facing fear in this very podcast, how fear blocks creativity, and why even 15 seconds of radical courage can change your life. Plus, you’ll find practical tools to regulate your nervous system, build resilience, and shift from fear into creativity.
Facing My Own Fear
I want to start by sharing a moment when fear had me paralyzed. When I published Episode 2 of Return to Her, I felt completely exposed. That episode was so personal—I shared parts of my story that felt raw and intimate.
The moment I hit “publish,” my nervous system went into overdrive. My chest felt tight, my stomach churned, and doubt crept in: What if this is too much? What if people judge me? What if I regret sharing this? Or… what if no one even listens and this was all for nothing…?
But then I reminded myself of something I’ve learned along this journey: It only takes 15 seconds of radical courage to change your life. Just 15 seconds.
So, I took a deep breath, pressed “publish,” and… I still had a few seconds left over to scream into a pillow—just kidding (kind of). But that small act of bravery led to meaningful conversations and deeper connections with listeners—proof that fear doesn’t have to control us.
Even after I had done the scary thing, my nervous system was still keyed up for the rest of the day, and those original expressions of my fear kept resurfacing. But I didn’t explode. I didn’t die. I’m still here.
Why Fear Shows Up and Why It Sticks Around
Fear is your ego’s way of keeping you safe. Your ego loves the comfort zone—it knows how to navigate the familiar. But when you dream bigger or take a risk, the ego panics. It sees the unknown as dangerous and starts sounding alarms: Don’t do this. Stay where it’s safe.
At its core, most fear boils down to a fear of rejection—of not belonging—because that’s our most basic human need. But what holds most of us back isn’t just fear of failure—it’s the fear of outgrowing our current life because that’s how we define ourselves.
Fear isn’t inherently bad. It’s trying to protect you. But the ego doesn’t understand that growth requires discomfort. It doesn’t know the difference between real danger and the stretch of trying something new—something you know deep down is meant for you.
How Fear Manifests
Fear shows up in both the mind and body. You’ve likely experienced it in these ways:
Mental signs:
Self-doubt: Who do you think you are?
Procrastination: Let’s wait until everything’s perfect.
Indecision: What if I make the wrong choice?
Overthinking: Endless “what if” scenarios.
Physical signs:
Tightness in the chest or stomach
Racing heart or shallow breathing
Sweaty palms or trembling
Feeling frozen, like you can’t move forward
How to Move Through Fear and Release It
First, remind yourself—and have trusted friends remind you—that when fear shows up, it often means you’re doing something important for your growth. The ego perceives that as a threat, but you don’t have to let it stop you.
Step 1: Regulate Your Nervous System in the Moment
When fear activates your fight-or-flight response, your body needs reassurance that you’re safe. Try these practices:
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana): Calms the mind and balances energy.
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold, exhale for 8. Slows your heart rate instantly.
Grounding Techniques: Press your feet into the floor and imagine roots grounding you into the earth.
Movement: Shake out your hands, stretch, or flow through yoga poses.
Nature Connection: Step outside, feel the air, listen to birdsong—your nervous system instinctively relaxes when it senses nature’s safety cues.
Step 2: Build Resilience Over Time
Building a regulated nervous system takes practice. Think of it like strengthening a muscle:
Yoga: Heart-opening poses like camel or cobra invite courage.
Meditation: Helps you observe fear without attaching to it.
Journaling: Write down your fears, then reframe them: What’s the best that could happen?
Self-Reiki: Use Reiki to release fear from areas where it feels heavy, like your solar plexus or heart.
Supportive Relationships: Engage with people who uplift you—trusted friends who remind you of your strength.
Fear vs. Creativity: The Toggle Effect
Fear and creativity exist on opposite ends of a spectrum—they can’t coexist. When fear is in the driver’s seat, your mind shifts into survival mode, focusing on threats and worst-case scenarios. Creativity, on the other hand, thrives in openness, curiosity, and possibility.
How to Tap Into Creativity
Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine your best-case scenario in vivid detail.
Movement or Dance: Put on music and move freely to shake off fear.
Singing or Humming: Vibrations from your voice calm the vagus nerve, signaling safety.
Final Thoughts: You Were Built for More
Growth requires discomfort. The ship is safest at the shore, but that’s not what it was built for—and neither are you. The next time fear tries to keep you small, remember: You only need 15 seconds of radical courage.
If this post resonated with you, listen to the full podcast episode where I dive deeper into this topic: Return to Her: Episode 3 Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Let’s stay connected! Visit my website at WholeBeingJourney.com, follow me on Instagram @cassiedaltonxo, and join me on Facebook at WholeBeingJourney.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog post is for informational
purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your needs.