GoBeyond

There is no courage without fear.

A common misconception is that courage is the absence of fear, when the truth is that courage is one of many ways that we may respond to fear.

To ignore or reject fear is to reject a fundamental part of what makes us human. Fear is not a weakness, it is an awareness.

It is not fear that kills our dreams or growth or soul.

On the contrary, fear is proof we have a soul at all. It shows we care. It signals that something matters. And that is sacred.

The transition to parenthood has been smoother than expected, but sleepless nights with a crying baby present inevitable challenges. When my newborn, River, refuses to settle despite feeding, changing, and comforting, I’ve learned that resisting the situation—clinging to sleep and disengaging—only amplifies my exhaustion and stress. Instead, embracing acceptance as an active choice allows me to respond with clarity, patience, and effectiveness, leading to quicker resolutions and a more peaceful night. Much like navigating a river, parenting becomes easier when I move with the flow rather than fight against it. This powerful mindset shift extends beyond newborn care—embracing fears that come up with challenges in life, rather than resisting them, fosters resilience, growth, and a greater sense of control.

Fear is an uncomfortable but necessary emotion that prompts us to adapt and grow. While sharing burdens often makes them lighter, fear doesn’t work the same way—spreading it can amplify its weight rather than alleviate it. When we voice our fears to others, especially in response to their challenges, we risk burdening them instead of helping. Instead of reacting with fear, leading with curiosity can provide clarity and empowerment. By asking thoughtful questions, we encourage reflection and preparation, either reassuring us of their readiness or prompting necessary reassessment. Handling fear wisely helps us navigate challenges with confidence rather than spreading unnecessary worry.