People should never be punished or criticized for having doubt, for having fear. Fear and doubt are normal responses to hardship, pain, trauma, the never-ending question of trying to understand life itself.
Having fear does not confirm lack of strength. So often in life, we do things even though we are afraid. We move forward even when nothing lights our path, and we know we might stumble. And in those moments, we may condemn ourselves for having fear instead of recognizing our own strength. Our fears exist. So does our strength.
As we recognize the combination of fear and courage within ourselves, we can begin to give ourselves permission to fully live. We honor the fact that we chose to speak even though we stumbled over our words. We honor the truth that we chose to show love even though we didn’t always know how. We honor that we took steps toward a goal even though our path was somewhat unclear, and we faced doubt.
Whether the truth of “I’m scared, and I’m going to do it anyway” is something that describes one event or if it is the inner narrative of our daily lives, we deserve honor and respect and to be truly proud of all we have overcome.
And when we are in that place where strength has not yet come to reside alongside our fear, may we allow our feelings and emotions to exist. May we allow ourselves to rest, and may we be able to choose gentleness and compassion for ourselves and every part within us that is still asking a thousand questions, the parts wanting to know, “How can I be ok now?”, “Am I actually safe?”
Fear exists alongside clarity. Strength exists alongside questions. We don’t have to condemn ourselves for having emotions that we can’t fully understand. We can allow ourselves to heal and love ourselves through the process regardless of its length.
Thank you, everyone, for supporting my work.
Have a wonderful day,
Susannah
Big Love written here.
Yet ANOTHER powerful writing, Susie Q! You are such an incredible writer & you really get down to the nitty gritty in your writings! Just another of your God-given talents! Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts with us & getting us thinking about our own Fears & Strengths! :) Keep up the good work! Love ya, Girl! God bless you & Sam!