Feel the Fear and Rise Above It: Lessons From Susan Jeffers’ Inspiring Book
Feel the Fear and Live It Anyways: Lessons From Susan Jeffers’ Inspiring Book
Fear—it’s one of the most universal human emotions, yet one of the most misunderstood. We often try to avoid it, fight it, or pretend it doesn’t exist. But what if fear is not the enemy? What if it’s a teacher, guiding us toward growth?
This blog stems from my reflections on the rising toxicity in the world, which I shared in my previous post. Every morning, I dedicate myself to writing, hoping to inspire parents and families to think better and live smarter. My mission has always been to empower the parents of Trailblazers (neurodiverse children) to rise above challenges and embrace possibilities with a positive mindset, no doubt.
Recently, I found myself deeply moved by the book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that fear isn’t something to conquer but something to embrace. Once we make peace with fear, we can transform it into a force that propels us forward.
What Susan Jeffers Taught Me About Fear
Susan Jeffers beautifully captures the essence of fear with her timeless line:
“Feel the fear, and do it anyway.”
This is not about denying fear or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about recognizing it, accepting it, and moving forward despite it. Fear is not a stop sign; it’s a guidepost that tells us we’re stepping into the unknown. And the unknown is where growth happens.
When we stop resisting fear, we remove the anxiety that often accompanies it. Resistance feeds fear, but acceptance disarms it. It’s in this space of acceptance that we find peace and the courage to take action.
The Power of Reading: A Lifeline for You and Your Children
Books have always been a source of inspiration for me, and this one was no exception. Reading allows us to connect with ideas that challenge and uplift us, offering new perspectives and solutions we might never have discovered on our own.
More importantly, reading is not just a mental exercise—it’s a gift for your overall well-being. A Yale University study (Source) revealed that:
- People who read books experience a 20% reduction in mortality compared to those who don’t read at all.
- Reading books provides a stronger survival advantage than reading shorter-form content like periodicals or articles.
This applies to your children too. When you read, you model a love for learning and reflection. When you share stories with your child, you’re not just building their literacy skills—you’re helping them explore emotions, face challenges, and find strength in themselves.
How to Pass It On to Your Children
As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping how your child views fear, resilience, and growth. Here’s how you can pass these lessons on:
Acknowledge Their Fears:
When your child expresses fear, don’t dismiss it. Instead, validate their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel scared. For example, “I understand that starting school feels scary. Let’s talk about it.”
Model Facing Fear:
Children learn by watching you. Share your own moments of fear and how you worked through them. For instance, “I was nervous about giving that presentation at work, but I prepared, and it went really well!”
Teach Through Stories:
Books are an incredible way to teach children about fear and resilience. Share stories of characters who faced their fears and grew stronger, helping your child see that fear is part of the journey.
Celebrate Small Wins:
When your child takes even the smallest step toward overcoming their fear, celebrate it. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps them embrace challenges.
Foster a Love for Reading:
Reading inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional awareness. Encourage your child to explore books that challenge and uplift them. (Stay tuned for my next blog on how to help young children become readers!)
Accepting Fear and Finding Peace
So, how do we, as parents and individuals, learn to live with fear? Here are a few lessons I’ve gleaned:
Acknowledge Fear:
Recognize fear as a natural part of life. It’s not a weakness—it’s a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.
Reframe Fear:
Shift your perspective. Fear isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity for growth.
Take Small Steps:
You don’t have to face everything all at once. Start small. Each step forward builds momentum and confidence.
Find Your Coping Mechanisms:
Whether it’s journaling, mindfulness, or talking to someone, find tools that help you process fear constructively.
Empower Your Child to Do the Same:
Equip your child with these same tools—acknowledgment, reframing, and small, achievable steps. Teach them that fear is a stepping stone to growth, not a roadblock.
Fear: A Gift for Growth
Fear is not something to fight against—it’s something to grow through. It’s a reminder that you’re alive, that you’re stepping into the unknown, and that you care deeply about something. By accepting fear, you open the door to peace, resilience, and transformation.
And when you model this for your child, you give them a powerful gift: the ability to see fear not as an enemy, but as a friend who pushes them toward their greatest potential.
Conclusion: Feel the Fear, Grow Together
The lessons I’ve learned from Susan Jeffers’ Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway have not only reshaped my understanding of fear but also deepened my belief in the power of connection—through words, actions, and love.
To every parent reading this: know that you have the power to inspire your child to think better, live smarter, and embrace challenges with courage. As you face your own fears and guide your child to do the same, you’ll discover that the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.
Thank you for Reading, for reflecting, and for passing on the power of growth to the next generation. Together, we rise.
Next Blog Teaser
Stay tuned for my next blog: How to Help Young Children Become Readers. It’s all about fostering a lifelong love for books and showing children how words can open up entire worlds of wonder.