Standing at the Edge of Fear: Finding Strength in Uncertain Times
In the days following the recent U.S. election, I’ve felt a familiar stirring of emotions—not just within myself but echoed in the voices of friends, clients, and women in communities across both the U.S. and Canada. A heavy sense of fear, frustration, and the weight of uncertainty has settled over many of us. For those who may not know, my story of freedom began under the tight grip of political oppression in former East Germany, a reality where my family’s choices were severely limited and voices stifled. This experience has given me a deeply personal understanding of what it feels like to stand on the edge of fear and wonder what rights or freedoms could be taken away next.
In Freedom Seeker: Reclaiming Feminine Wisdom, I shared the journey from my upbringing to finding my voice. From political oppression in East Germany to the often subtle societal limitations faced as a woman in corporate life, I’ve come to recognize that many of the limits imposed upon us aren’t just external. They become internalized—beliefs and habits rooted in fear and silence. We’ve all learned at some point to choke down what we’re truly feeling, to silence our voices for fear of rocking the boat or alienating loved ones. But I learned through experience that silence comes with a price.
As women, we often grapple with the inner conflict of holding back our truth versus expressing it fully. It’s a push-and-pull, especially when we feel that speaking out may lead to isolation or rejection. But keeping our voices locked up has its own costs. When I kept my fears and doubts bottled up, telling myself I was “overreacting,” those unspoken emotions didn’t simply disappear. They took root in ways that impacted my well-being, leading me down paths of unhealthy coping strategies that I later had to unravel.
Right now, I want to say it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to feel unsettled by what’s happening around us. This fear isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that we care deeply about our autonomy, our rights, and our place in this world. We may not always realize it, but fear, frustration, and even anger can be powerful messengers. They alert us to where our boundaries lie and when they’re being crossed. Ignoring these emotions only buries them, making them harder to release and process.
So what can we do?
I’ve learned that addressing these feelings starts with giving them space to breathe. Here are a few practices that have helped me, and perhaps they can support you, too, in this season of uncertainty.
Move Your Body and Release Tension
When fear and anxiety hit, our bodies often bear the brunt. Physical movement can be a powerful release. Whether it’s a brisk walk, dancing freely in your living room, or a workout that gets your heart rate up, moving our bodies can shift our mental state and break the loop of anxious thoughts. On especially tough days, I’ve found that even a few minutes of intentional movement can ground me and help me reconnect with myself.
Quick Tip
Try a simple grounding exercise—stand tall, place your feet firmly on the floor, and take three slow, deep breaths, feeling the weight of your body. Notice any shift in your emotions.
Reflect
When was the last time you allowed yourself to move through fear rather than bury it? Where in your body do you feel your anxiety most? Next time it feels overwhelming, try releasing it through movement.
Find Your Voice—Literally
Growing up, I learned to be “the good girl”—to stay polite, quiet, and compliant. It’s taken me years to unlearn that conditioning and give myself permission to be loud when needed. Singing, sighing, or even yelling into a pillow can be surprisingly therapeutic. It’s about releasing what’s bottled up and making space for new energy. So go ahead, belt out your favorite song, or let yourself have that primal scream. There’s freedom in being unapologetically heard.
exercise
Set a timer for five minutes and write freely about what’s weighing on you. Let your words flow without judgment or filters. You might even try saying aloud, “My voice matters, and I’m ready to hear it.”
Reflect
Is there something you’ve been holding back? What unspoken truths could you give voice to today?
Connect and Share
When we feel overwhelmed, isolation can seem like the easiest choice. But connection is essential. Sharing our fears and frustrations with someone who can hold space for us is transformative. For me, starting Freedom Seeker as a personal journal and later sharing it publicly was a way to own my story. If speaking out feels challenging, try writing it down. Seeing our fears on paper can sometimes take away their power and offer a new perspective.
supportive action
Consider creating a mini support network. Reach out to a friend or family member who understands, and suggest a weekly check-in to share your experiences. If you’re seeking a community to connect with, consider joining spaces like the Wild Woman Collective, where women can support each other openly.
Reflect
Have you been carrying the weight of your emotions alone? Who could you reach out to this week to share your thoughts and receive support?
Practice Grounding Self-Care
Self-care goes far beyond the superficial; it’s about grounding ourselves. Small acts, like deep breathing, placing a hand over your heart, or stepping outside for fresh air, help to regulate our emotions and bring us back to a place of peace. These practices don’t have to be time-consuming or elaborate—they simply need to be intentional.
simple practice
Take one minute to place a hand over your heart and breathe deeply, reminding yourself that peace is within reach, even in moments of stress.
Reflect
Which small, grounding practice could you add to your daily routine to help you feel more centered?
Standing Together in Action
Right now, with all that’s going on, we may feel tempted to pull back, to submit to silence. But I’ve learned that silence can be complicit. When we choose to be silent, it’s often the loudest voices that get heard, and they’re not always voices of compassion, reason, or truth. Now is a time for connection, even if we don’t agree on every detail. We need to come together, to stand in solidarity for the values that unite us.
practical choice
As we head into a season where consumerism can run high, remember: we have the power to vote with our money. Each purchase supports a person, a brand, a set of values. Choosing brands that reflect respect, equality, and integrity helps us contribute to a world we believe in.
Reflect
What values matter most to you, and how can you align your spending with them this season?
ready to take the next steps?
If you’re finding this moment challenging, I’m here to support you. Until November 22, 2024, I’m offering my Get Your Joy Back Call at a 40% discount. This 2-hour session provides a space to explore what’s weighing on you, work through those feelings, and reconnect with your inner peace. Together, we can clear away the fog and make room for the clarity and joy that lie beneath.
Use code: NOVEMBER40 at checkout
As we move forward, let’s remember that we’re here to do more than survive these times—we’re here to thrive. Freedom Seeker: Reclaiming Feminine Wisdom was my own story of transformation, and it’s a reminder that we each have the power to reclaim our joy, strength, and voices. Now, more than ever, we need each other. Let’s stand together, nurture our communities, and remember that our resilience is a force that cannot be broken.
If you’ve ever felt isolated or uncertain, remember—you’re not alone. Many of us carry these same hidden burdens. Feel free to share your thoughts HERE, and let’s find strength in our shared humanity.
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I help women create thriving lives by identifying their core desires, restoring work/life balance and focusing on overall wellbeing.
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Hi I'm Yvonne
I work with women just like you who feel a deeper calling to explore the meaning in their lives.