In the face of fear.

Fear shows up, on schedule, almost everytime we engage with possibility. That's a physiological trait. Hoping that it doesn't happen is wishful thinking and doesn't help us move forward.

What matters is how we act when fear shows up.

Do we outrightly reject it and keep moving forward? It may work sometime but it may backfire also.

Do we listen to fear obediently and go back where there is no possibility?

Or do we listen to it mindfully, understand the risks and then choose to move forward towards where we seek to be?

The more we choose the last option, the healthier a relationship we make with our fear. It won't change its nature for sure. But we can allow it enough space that it doesn't need to derail our creative pursuits.

Liz Gilbert chimes in (from Big Magic):

Basically, your fear is like a mall cop who thinks he’s a Navy SEAL: He hasn’t slept in days, he’s all hopped up on Red Bull, and he’s liable to shoot at his own shadow in an absurd effort to keep everyone “safe". He hasn’t slept in days, he’s all hopped up on Red Bull, and he’s liable to shoot at his own shadow in an absurd effort to keep everyone “safe.”

This is all totally natural and human.

It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

It is, however, something that very much needs to be dealt with.