Move Through Fear to Write From the Heart

Okay, I admit it. I talk to myself a lot.

And I’m not alone. Most of us have inner voices that offer commentary all day long in the background of our minds, whether we’re conscious of them or not. 

Our thoughts are either generated by the energy of fear (negativity) or by the energy of love (positivity). These polarized voices within inform and create our reality, so it’s vital to be deliberate in deciding which voice we choose to follow.

The voice of fear will sabotage you from moving forward with your book in sneaky ways. This is to keep you safe, to protect you from uncertainty, risk, or change. Keeping you in your comfort zone is fear’s goal. Though writing a book is not a life-threatening commitment, to our fear, it may feel like it is! 

When you slow down and tune in to your inner experience, you’ll more easily recognize the nature of your thoughts and which voice (fear or love) is guiding them.

If you choose to heed the voice of fear and its limiting thoughts and beliefs, you can pretty much guarantee you’ll never finish your book.

My client “John” is a successful financial planner who dreamed of writing a book about his unique method of helping his clients with retirement plans. His methodology isn’t based on the traditional financial strategies that most planners follow. Yet they have contributed to big successes for his clients and are the reason for his practice’s recent expansion and growth.

Yet as John was digging into a chapter deadline, he became gripped by self-doubt. “What if all the traditional financial planners are right and I’m wrong?” he worried. “What if my peers mock me or my writing isn’t smart enough?” And he began to spiral, questioning his book as well as his entire reason for doing the work he loves, around which he had built his life and business.

Thankfully, John had enough self-awareness to recognize the train of negative thoughts as impostor syndrome, a fear-generated mental frenzy that derails many aspiring authors. He stepped away from his computer and took a moment for self-reflection. He saw how his thoughts were rooted in fear and decided to choose the voice of love instead. Soon, he was able to get back on track and into flow with his writing.

OPENING TO THE VOICE OF LOVE

Fear, of course, has its purpose, and in truly life-or-death situations, you should pay attention to it!

However, as you write your book, it will serve you to choose the voice of love instead: that encouraging and kind inner voice that calls you to step outside your comfort zone, fueling your vision, growth, and expansion.

The voice of love comes from the heart, and it’s unconditional. Love is always more powerful than fear. 

We have a choice to decide which inner voice will guide us as we move through our lives—and through big transformation like becoming a published book author.

However, choosing the voice of love takes courage. The word courage comes from the Latin root cor, which means “heart.” You need courage to take risks, to trust yourself, and to follow the guidance of your heart, as it encourages you to expand and grow.

Listening to the energy of your heart— the voice of love—can help you move through and overcome your fears. 

Our hearts speak to us with loving-kindness, encouragement, and compassion, knowing that change and transformation are ultimately why we are here in these human bodies. The voice of love always encourages us to strive for our highest potential.

When you’re writing a book, the voice of love may cheer you on with thoughts like:

You’ve got this.

Your voice matters.

Your readers are waiting for you to show up for them.

You are wise and courageous.

Writing your book will serve so many who need your wisdom.

If you don’t already hear these kinds of thoughts in your head, practice repeating them in your mind– or even better, say them out loud to yourself in the mirror. If this is difficult for you, imagine this voice as a best friend who has your back and wants you to succeed. Trust these loving words as truth and let them guide you forward. 

When you are brave enough to choose love over fear, you unblock the energy of your heart. This energy connects you to your soul’s purpose and inner wisdom.

When you open your heart, you can access your higher self and the Universal source of energy flow. This is how you write with clarity, ease, and joy—from the heart—allowing the words to flow through you.

When you write from your heart, you also build a bridge of connection between yourself and others, which makes your writing much more engaging and magnetic. 

Take a moment to write a love note to yourself...

What message does your heart have for you today?