Thoughts of Junie

By Junie| Thoughts of Junie

Fear used to run quietly in the background of my life—like a song playing on low volume that I couldn’t quite turn off. It was there when I smiled through things I hated. It was there when I said “yes” to things that made my chest feel tight. It was there when I stayed in places—relationships, jobs, cities—long after my soul had started to wilt.

Some fears are loud and obvious. Others are subtle and sneaky. Here are a few I’ve faced—and the unexpected ways I’ve learned to overcome them:

1. The Fear of Being Alone

For a long time, I confused being alone with being unlovable. I stayed in relationships that dimmed my light because I was afraid of the silence that would come after. But the truth? Solitude isn’t loneliness. It’s a sacred space where I learned to hear my own voice again.

How I overcame it:

I started doing things by myself—small at first. A walk. A solo brunch. A weekend trip. I stopped filling the space with noise and slowly fell in love with my own company. Turns out, I’m really good company.

2. The Fear of Speaking My Truth

I used to water myself down. I’d keep my real thoughts locked behind my teeth for fear of being “too much” or making someone uncomfortable. But silence, I’ve learned, can be its own kind of suffocation.

How I overcame it:

I wrote. I blogged. I whispered the truth until I could say it louder. I started telling my story—not for validation, but for freedom. And the more I shared, the more I found others who said, “Me too.”

3. The Fear of Starting Over

Leaving a relationship. Changing directions. Closing one door without knowing what’s behind the next. Starting over felt like failure for a long time—but I see now, it’s just another word for becoming.

How I overcame it:

I reminded myself that I’ve survived worse. That endings can be beginnings in disguise. I started over more than once—and every time, I discovered something new about my strength.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be brave enough to begin. Let’s talk about it in the comments. I’m listening.

I still have fears. I’m human. But these days, fear doesn’t get the final word. I give it space, I listen, and then I choose courage anyway.

Because every time I’ve faced a fear, I’ve found freedom on the other side.

What fears have you overcome—or are still working through?

With love,

Junie 🖤