I know exactly what it feels like to carry a powerful dream and wonder if I'll ever be able to make it a reality.

My whole life, I did everything I was supposed to do. I took the courses, made the plans, and prepared for every step.

However, every time it came down to putting myself out there and opening myself up to vulnerability, I froze.

I always became paralyzed by my fears of being seen and being judged. The idea of being rejected triggered old wounds, and that made it terrifying.

For a long time, I blamed myself for my lack of courage.

But I eventually came to understand that my past experiences had taught me that staying invisible and playing small kept me protected from those painful feelings I was trying to avoid.

The very thing that had once protected me for all those years, though, had started working against me.

I realized that if I really wanted to achieve the goals and dreams I had for my life, I'd have to do the hard things.

That meant I had to figure out a way to feel safe and vulnerable at the same time.

It was a slow process, and the fear didn't disappear entirely, but I found a way to move forward with it anyway. Now I see so many women who remind me of who I used to be.

Every day, I witness courageous women full of passion, wisdom, and intention, still standing on the sidelines of their lives.

Not because they're not capable, but because no one has ever shown them the way to overcome what scares them most.

I know how painful it is to know exactly what you need to do and not be able to do it.

That's why I've made it my mission to make sure no other woman has to live with that struggle as long as I did.

If you're a woman walking a similar path, I want you to know this: what your heart wants most is on the other side of your fear.

I had to find my way there alone, but you don't have to.