Day 12 |Been There, Done That

Q: What have you overcome? How can you use your experience to help someone else? How can you turn something that cause you pain into something that gives you purpose?

Often, when I think about things I’ve gone through, I feel like I haven’t been through anything. Well, nothing earth-shattering or dramatic. I had a great childhood, grew up with both of my parents, and never wanted for anything. Still, one thing I’d say I’ve overcome is letting fear paralyze me. One of my favorite quotes is, “Feel the fear, and do it anyway.” Because I’m an introvert and dislike being the center of attention, I could have never imagined doing some of the things I’ve done. For example, being a speaker is waaaay out of my comfort zone. Talking to people I don’t know well is out of my comfort zone. Putting myself and my work out there is out of my comfort zone in some ways.

But, I’ve learned to move past these fears because I know that someone needs what I have to offer. I realized my purpose a few years ago, and since I want to walk in it, I just have to acknowledge that I have fear and move forward. I use this experience of “feeling the fear and doing anyway” to show people that they can achieve whatever they want. I want to show others (women in particular) that you don’t (and shouldn’t) let fear keep you from attempting anything they want, whatever it is. As my social media buddy, Akilah, has said, “F**k fear!”