Issue no. 3 of our series uncovering how fear manifests in your life. Read #1 and #2 here.

Fear is a powerful tool that is most often known for blocking us from doing the things we desire. Yet, we are discovering through stories of incredible Latines that fear can also be used as fuel, supporting them in achieving all the things they’ve ever dreamed of.

We all have different ways in which fear manifests itself, preventing us from reaching our greatest potential. Fear takes form in the ways you allow, and in this series, we’re uncovering stories from our community, exploring the various ways fear has manifested in their lives and how they’re pushing past fear and moving forward.

Every month, we’ll pose the question, “What Has It Cost You When You’ve Let Fear Win?” and get a glimpse into how this 4-letter word can have a great impact (both good and bad) in their lives. We hope that through this series you find solace in knowing that fear is an emotion we merely give too much power to and remove the barriers holding you back from being that b*tch.

What Has It Cost You When You’ve Let Fear Win?

Made Me Believe I Wasn’t Good Enough

I used to let my critical and negative self-talk define who I was. It has made me believe that I wasn’t good enough, or smart enough and that I didn’t belong in spaces, especially where I didn’t see people who look like me. When I first entered the workplace, I let fear stop me from speaking up and letting my ideas be heard because I feared sounding stupid. I feared my soft voice, not sounding confident enough, or that my voice might crack mid-sentence. It cost me from growing and succeeding in previous roles. Over the years, I told myself, “LET IT GO!” Let go of feeling embarrassed if I don’t sound confident or if my voice shakes at first because if I keep running with the narrative of “I’m not good enough,” then I will never reach my full potential. And I have a lot to offer. 

My biggest takeaway is when I feel those negative thoughts creep in, I now know that it doesn’t define who I am. I know that I’m a work in progress and that it’s important to be kind and encouraging to myself above all else.

– Andrea Hernandez, (She/Her) E-Commerce Intern, #WeAllGrow Latina

Betraying Myself

Fear has cost me the ultimate price: betraying myself. I let people disrespect my boundaries, stayed in bad relationships, didn’t speak up for myself, and even changed who I was because I wanted to be liked. 

Every now and then, when fear comes creeping in, I give myself the space to explore, feel, and gently remind the little niña in me that she no longer has to shrink – because she can always count on me to keep her safe.

– Mayra Rosas, (She/Her) Project Manager, #WeAllGrow Latina

I give myself the space to explore, feel, and gently remind the little niña in me that she no longer has to shrink – because she can always count on me to keep her safe.

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Personal Success and Peace

Fear has cost me opportunities for personal success and peace. I have been so anxious and afraid that I was the one to tell myself “no” rather than letting someone else tell me “no.” By letting someone else tell me “no” I could at least have taken a chance, and had the opportunity for success and if it didn’t work out at least I knew rather than wondering, “what if.” I’m done taking away opportunities from myself and missing the chance for success, happiness and peace.

Karina Esteban, (She/Her), Social Media Coordinator, #WeAllGrow Latina

Amiga, take the next step, even if it’s scary. Our auto-response is often driven by our subconscious which wants to protect us, and that is when you need to train the algorithm of your thoughts to push past the fear, because that feeling in your heart is there for a reason. We have also found that voicing your fears out loud, helps in recognizing to yourself that you can achieve both what you desire and even the unimaginable. You got this and we’re cheering you on every step you take!

Want to share your experience with fear? Submit your story here.

Want to voice your fears out loud for some moral support? Continue the conversation on Amigas, where other Latines like you are waiting to support you with open arms.

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