Sometimes we have to face that which we fear the most. I learned a long time ago that fear is limiting and holds us back from receiving our good. Fear is like a smoke screen that keeps our treasure hidden from us until we're brave enough to walk through it.

For me, it used to be speaking in public. I overcame that fear and went on to become a professional speaker. Next, it was singing in public. I got over that and regularly lead kirtan (call and response chanting concerts). My latest fear is putting my writing out there. Yes, I already have one book under my belt. This time I'm writing a novel, and I'm delving into uncharted territory. What if I'm criticized? What if people don't like it? What if? What if? 

When a friend told me about a contest hosted by a publishing company looking for the next best fiction author, I felt that familiar twinge of fear rise up in my chest. I knew I had to enter the contest, fear or no fear, and put my work-in-progress novel out there (you'll find info on the contest below this article).

Just like a painting is meant to be seen and a song meant to be heard, writing is meant to be read. The reader is an important part of the story, for without a reader, what's the point in even telling the tale? A story needs to breathe, to see and experience the world through the eyes, hearts, and imaginations of the reader. In order for the public to appreciate your work, it has to be out there in the world for all to see. And that can be scary.

In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela says, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." What about you? What do you fear? What have you done to face your fear and overcome it, or at least get a handle on it? Here are some suggestions:

1. Decide that fear will not hold you back from all that life has to offer. Resolve to do something about it.
2. Talk to others about how they overcame their fear
3. Take baby steps. Do one thing that moves you in the direction of facing your fear. If it's speaking in public for example, join a Toastmasters group or speak every chance you get. It gets easier the more you practice.
4. Re-frame it: ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" and realize that it probably won't happen.