Her book has the same title as this quote, “Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway”. It is both a good book and a good idea for navigating through the difficult emotions of life, like fear.
The first step is the feel it, to recognize it, to be aware of it. Where do you feel the fear in your body? Most, if not all of our emotions, start somewhere in our body. I sometimes feel the fear in my legs, they turn to jelly. Sometimes I feel the fear in my face, it becomes flushed. I can feel the fear in my chest, constricting my breathing.
What are your fears — heights, scary rides like the one in the picture, snakes and gators, someone laughing at you, …?
Feel the fear is the first step, eyes wide open, dealing with the reality, in touch with and embracing the emotions.
Then the second, do it anyway. Whatever it is, step into it.
Now, some fears rightly sending us running in the other direction. But, most fears are best addressed face on, taking them on, engaging them, pushing through them. Our natural reaction might be to avoid them, duck them, deny them, cower to them. But, most fears are best managed by addressing them, standing up to them, stepping into them.
At least that has been my own personal experience. I’ve also walked alongside hundreds and hundreds who did what the quote suggests and are so glad they did.