You’re Not Waiting - You’re Hiding

I found this photo from my 5th birthday party. I’m in a frilly dress, smiling without a care in the world. My uncle had asked me, “April, what do you want to be when you grow up?” And without hesitation, I said, “A girl.” I didn’t fully understand the weight of that answer at the time. I just knew I wanted to be seen, to be expressive, to be me. Looking back, I realize that even at 5 years old, I was already choosing authenticity over expectation. I wasn’t chasing a career or a title. I was chasing identity. And isn’t that what so many of us are still doing? Trying to remember who we were before the world told us who to be.

There’s a big difference between waiting for the right time and hiding behind the wrong fear.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the ways I’ve let fear especially the fear of judgment hold me back. From posting the video, to sharing the idea, to walking into the room like I belong there.

And what I’ve realized? It wasn’t the world holding me back. It was me.

Who Are You Really Afraid Of?

It’s not always “them” the strangers on the internet or the people from high school. Sometimes it’s you.
Your inner voice. The one that whispers:
What if it’s not good enough?
What if they don’t get it? What if I’m not ready?

But can I ask you something? Ready for what?

You’re not preparing. You’re procrastinating.
You’re not refining. You’re retreating.
And somewhere deep down, you know it.

Fear Loves to Feel in Control

Here’s what I’ve learned as someone who’s danced with doubt more times than I can count:

Fear is a liar with perfect timing.
It shows up right when you’re about to move. Right when something inside you says, go.

It tells you to wait…
...but it never tells you when to stop waiting.

So let me offer you a mindset shift:

You’ve already lived a version of life without taking the leap.
You already know what it’s like to play it safe.
You already know “no.”

So what happens if you just try?

You don’t need another pep talk.
You need a reminder:
You don’t need permission to take up space.
You don’t need a perfect plan to start.
You don’t need to be fearless to be free.

You just need to be honest about what’s holding you back.
Then decide today that you’re done hiding behind it.

What fear has been holding you back in disguise?
And how will you show up *in action* this week?