Fearless February: Moving Through Fear Toward Collective Joy
February 2, 2026
Fear is a constant passenger in our lives, often lurking quietly in the shadows of our minds. For much of my life, I struggled with fear without even realizing it. Only recently have I begun to recognize its presence and confront it head-on. My hope is that the lessons I’ve learned, and the growth edges I’ve discovered, can help us all move through fear, both personally and collectively, toward a society that welcomes our shared humanity and uplifts us to unity and joy.
The War Over the Mind
Fear is a battle waged in our minds, and it stands as one of the greatest barriers to becoming our highest, most powerful selves. From the threat of ICE, to war, to imprisonment, fear is often wielded as a weapon to force our compliance. While these threats are real, the power they hold over us (individually and collectively) is not. The influence of fear is often exaggerated to keep us “in line.”
A friend once told me that fear is “false evidence appearing real.” This wisdom rings true for whatever situation you may be facing, personally or collectively. The real power of fear lies not in the threat itself, but in how we respond to it. When we face fear. within ourselves and together, we can overpower it and loosen its grip on our lives.
Celebrating Courage: Black History Month
As we honor Black History Month, it’s the perfect time to remember acts of fearlessness and courage that have shaped our world. Two stories stand out as guiding lights when I feel fear pressing against my voice:
Harriet Tubman rescued over 70 enslaved people, guided by her courage, intuition, love, and spirit.
Roger Pradel, my grandfather and a leader in the Haitian military in the 1930s, led a rescue mission during the Parsley Massacre, saving Haitians who were targeted simply for being on the “wrong side” of the border.
These acts remind us that fearlessness is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it.
My Journey: From Silence to Boldness
My conscious journey with fear began in 2012 during a weekend workshop on emotional intelligence. The facilitator guided us through exercises to feel specific emotions. When it came to fear, I found it elusive at first. But as I visualized moments of fear, I realized it was a constant, subtle presence in my life.
I began to understand how deeply my experiences of racism had ingrained fear into my body and mind. I picked at my skin, bit my nails, and stayed silent when I wanted to speak—signs of anxiety and low-grade fear I’d never recognized before.
The workshop was a turning point. I started to notice the ever-present fear, and it was uncomfortable. It showed up as silence, half-truths, and neglect. But I didn’t shy away. I dug deep, allowing myself to fully experience the fear. I shook, quaked, screamed, and cried. I let it all out.
In the midst of this release, I affirmed a vision of fearlessness, love, and boldness. Gradually, the fear diminished. I began to speak my truths with compassion and courage. I stepped into bold actions and took up more space in the world.
How Fear Shows Up and How We Move Through It
Fear is something we all struggle with, knowingly or unknowingly. It can manifest in soft addictions like social media, junk food, or binge-watching Netflix. It can show up as daily alcohol consumption, nail-biting, or leg-shaking. Sometimes, it appears as outbursts of anger or spontaneous yelling at loved ones.
To overcome fear, we must look at it, dive into it, move through it, decouple from it, and release it. Only then can we step into who we truly are…fully and fearlessly.
Share this post if you believe in the power of facing fear together. Let’s move through February — and every month — with courage, compassion, and unity.
3 Gentle Practices for Transforming Fear
1. Feel the Fear
Instead of freezing, fleeing, or fighting, feel into the fear. Let it move through you: tremble, breathe, cry if needed. Emotions are meant to move; don’t stop them from completing their cycle. How might you transform fear into release or freedom this week?
2. Listen to the Message
Every fear holds wisdom. Ask: What are you protecting me from? What truth are you trying to show me? Fear often points to what we most long for.
3. Practice Courage in Proximity
This week, place yourself gently near something that intimidates you. Speak your truth, ask for what you need, take the small bold step. Courage grows with practice.
Bringing It Together
Fear is not meant to cage us; it’s meant to awaken us. When we honor it with awareness, it transforms from a chain into a compass.
As we move through fear, we reclaim our voice, our love, and our becoming.
If this resonates with you, please share this blog and your reflections on social media — let’s grow through our fears together.
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