What’s a fear you’ve overcome — and how did you do it?

I love this question because fear shaped my entire life. 

My biggest fear was public perception and harsh critique. I waited so long to publish my first public facing book because of this.

It’s sad to say, but I am a people pleaser. I wanted opinions and feedback to be good, great, FIVE STARS. But you can’t expect that as an author, it’s unrealistic, and I knew this. The mere idea of someone thinking, I’m annoying or a bad writer scared the fuck out of me.

I was scared of how they’d see me once I started pushing my books and marketing. In my mind, ANNOYING THEM! It’s a trait I am trying to grow out of at my big age of 38. I was so concerned with how I’d be perceived that I stood in the way of my own growth. This fear held me back from a lot. It kept me safe and comfortable but dissatisfied.

I published my first book quietly, but I still did it! I overcame my polarizing fear of criticism and perception.

I did this by choosing courage.

Courage to succeed, fail, be seen, heard, and rejected! I choose courage before I press publish on each new chapter. I choose courage with each and every edit. I choose to be courageous because little me deserves to be an author.

Courage is my daily affirmation. As a Black, bisexual woman I speak it the very moment I step outside. I choose to be brave and courageous for the rest of my life. The alternative is no longer an option.