How I converted fear into forward motion…

(And how you can, too)

I used to think that fear was a signal to stop. When my heart raced, my palms got sweaty, and that heavy knot settled in my stomach, I took it as a sign to stay hidden, to avoid the spotlight.

I was comfortable serving quietly. Behind the scenes. Invisible, but still making a difference. But here’s what I’ve learned: Fear doesn’t always mean ‘stop.’ Sometimes, it’s a sign you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

From the outside, I probably seemed confident. I was a professional interpreter, fluent in the language that had been a part of my life since childhood. I helped bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds. I was good at what I did, but there was a part of my story no one saw.

When I stood in front of a room to interpret, I wasn’t just translating words. I was navigating an internal battle.

What if I messed up? What if everyone was watching me too closely? What if I wasn’t enough?

Fear wasn’t loud, it was quiet and persistent. And for a long time, I let it convince me that staying invisible was safer. So, I stayed in the background. Until one day, I couldn’t anymore.

It always seemed to happen the same way. I’d settle into a new church, happy to serve quietly. Then, a Deaf family would appear and someone would find me. “You know sign language, right?” And just like that, I’d be pulled from the background into the center of attention.

I wanted to say no. Not because I didn’t care, I did. But every time I stood up, I felt the weight of eyes on me. Maybe you’ve felt that way too, like the thing you’re meant to do is also the thing you’re most afraid of.

The real turning point wasn’t when someone asked me to interpret. It came when someone asked me to teach. Interpreting was one thing, I was translating someone else’s words. But teaching meant stepping forward and speaking from my own knowledge and experiences. And that terrified me.

I wrestled with it. I asked for advice, hoping someone would say, “You’re not ready.” But instead, I heard words that scared me even more: "You were made for this." So, I had a choice: Stay hidden, or step up.

I chose to step up.

When I walked into the room for my first sign language class, I expected to see a few familiar faces. Maybe a handful of people curious to learn.

What I didn’t expect? A packed room.

Every chair was filled. People wanted to learn. They wanted connection.

And there I was, someone who once avoided the spotlight, standing in front of a room, leading. I wish I could tell you the fear disappeared. It didn’t. But for the first time, I realized something:

Fear couldn’t hold me back unless I let it. Here’s the thing about hiding, it feels safe. But it also keeps you small. When I chose to stay hidden, I missed opportunities:

Opportunities to make a bigger impact.

Opportunities to share my unique perspective.

Opportunities to lead in ways only I could.

And if you’re hiding, if you’re avoiding the thing you know you’re meant to do, you might be missing those same opportunities.

If fear is keeping you in the background, here’s what I’ve learned about stepping into the spotlight:

1. Identify the Fear Beneath the Fear. It’s rarely the surface-level fear that holds us back. It’s the deeper belief beneath it. For me, the fear wasn’t public speaking. It was the belief that I had to be perfect before I was qualified. Ask yourself: What am I really afraid of? And is it true?

2. Stop Waiting for the Fear to Go Away.If you wait until you aren’t afraid, you’ll be waiting forever. Fear doesn’t leave, you just learn to move with it. The trick is to take the smallest next step you can. The movement itself is what weakens the fear.

3. Shift the Focus Off Yourself. When I finally stopped worrying about how I looked and started focusing on the people I was serving, everything changed. If you’re scared to step up, ask: Who needs me to show up? What happens if I don’t?

4. Trust That You Are Becoming. I didn’t feel ready to lead that first class. But by doing it scared, I became the kind of person who could. You don’t become qualified by waiting, you become qualified by doing. Fear isn’t always a sign to stop. Sometimes, it’s an invitation to step into the work you’re meant to do.

I still feel it. Every time I speak on a stage, every time I lead a workshop, every time I guide an organization toward real inclusion. But I’ve learned to see fear differently. Not as a barrier, but as a compass. And you can, too.

What would happen if you stopped waiting for fear to leave, and started moving anyway?What opportunities are waiting on the other side of your “yes”?

If you’re ready to stop hiding and start stepping forward, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s through a keynote, a workshop, or a conversation, I’m here to help you take your next bold step.

If you’re ready to move forward, let’s talk. Your next chapter is waiting. Fear and all.

And trust me, it’s worth it.