When Fear Lies About Timing

Fear is sneaky. 

It doesn’t just whisper that we’re unworthy or broken. 

It also convinces us that timing should always be in our control.

That’s the lie I’ve wrestled with this past year.

Last August, I was in the middle of launching UP when life collapsed sideways. My close friend — a woman who had been like a mother to me — fell seriously ill. At the same time, I broke my arm. My plan to “go big” vanished overnight.

The universe wasn’t holding space for new clients. 

It was holding space for me to grieve, to care, and to face my own fragility.

And yes, I was angry. 

Not at people, but at the timing.

Then, just four months ago, I tried again. I began relaunching my writing program. But this time, my friend’s health turned even more serious, ultimately ending her life. Once again, I was forced into stillness — not by choice, but by circumstance.

The universe wasn’t holding space for my business. 

It was holding space for goodbye.

Here’s the truth I’ve had to face:

Fear feels strongest when we’re out of control of outcomes. 

It tells us the timing is wrong. 

It tells us we’ve missed our chance. 

It tells us courage only counts if we’re leaping.

But I’ve learned something different: 

It takes just as much courage to be still as it does to take bold action. 

Sometimes more.

Courage isn’t always scaling the mountain. 

Courage is also waiting in the valley—angry, hurting, afraid—and still trusting that the climb will be there when it’s time.

This is what September is about:

• Naming the lies we’ve carried.

• Wrestling with how they still show up.

• Rebuilding trust with ourselves.

• Taking back our agency.

• Choosing truth over fear.

Fear will always try to convince you that stillness is failure. 

But the truth? 

Stillness can be the bravest step of all.