In the journey of life, fear often stands as a daunting gatekeeper, challenging us at every significant turn. It whispers doubts during decisions, magnifies risks in opportunities, and sometimes, freezes us in our tracks. Yet, it’s in these moments of hesitation and vulnerability that we find our true strength and resilience. As a woman who has faced her fair share of fears, I want to share a warm, heart-to-heart message to all the incredible women out there: Moving forward, even when you’re scared, is not only possible, it’s a testament to your strength.
Tip 1: Embrace Vulnerability as Your Strength
Consider the words of Maya Angelou, whose life and work embody the power of embracing one’s story and vulnerabilities. She taught us that it’s not just okay to be vulnerable; it’s essential for growth and understanding. When I decided to start my own business, the fear of failure loomed large, whispering reminders of every possible thing that could go wrong. But it was in accepting my vulnerability, acknowledging my fear, and proceeding anyway, that I found my strength. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it’s a courageous willingness to face the unknown. Let your vulnerability become your guide, not your barrier.
Tip 2: Small Steps Lead to Big Leaps
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This ancient wisdom holds true when confronting fear. You don’t have to leap; start with small steps. When I faced the daunting task of writing a book, the fear of not being good enough was overwhelming. But instead of focusing on the entire book, I started with a single page, then a chapter, and slowly, the fear began to recede as my confidence grew.
Tip 3: Surround Yourself with Support
Never underestimate the power of a supportive community. Whether it’s friends, family, or a mentor, having a network of support can be your anchor through the storm of fear. When I consider any major move, it is my support network that holds me up through the uncertainty and fear. They provide encouragement, advice, and the occasional reality check that I desperately need.
To all the incredible women navigating through their fears, remember: your fear is not a sign of weakness, but a marker of potential growth and strength. Embrace your vulnerability, take small steps, and lean on your support system. The road ahead may be uncertain, but it’s also ripe with possibilities. Let’s move forward together, one courageous step at a time.
Vonna Matthews, with over a decade of experience in marketing and branding for nonprofits and small businesses, is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds an MBA in Marketing from Dallas Baptist University. Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, she founded the lifestyle brand Bottles, Bibs & Pumps to support “mompreneurs,” and launched CEOMOM Magazine in 2016 and CEOKID Magazine in 2018 to celebrate and provide resources for women and kid entrepreneurs. Passionate about philanthropy and change through faith and service, her initial foray into this world was with Joni and Friends Disability Outreach and included mission trips to Cuba. In 2017, she established For Her Media to leverage her entrepreneurial skills for causes benefiting women.