75% of the population has glossophobia (a fear of public speaking), ranging from mild nervousness to full-blown panic.

I was one of them—but it took years (and overcoming one terrifying hike) to fully understand what was happening. I’ve always had a fear of heights.

But it all comes down to the label we slap on the feeling. 

Once I realized that fear manifests the same feelings as excitement, everything changed. 

I learned how to become present in the moment, breathe to calm my nervous system, and shift from feeling panicked to empowered and fully present.  

I am still afraid every time I climb high mountain ridges. I still get anxious before a high-stakes presentation. But I have learned how to make that shift internally and then perform with confidence. 

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it. And every time I did, I became more confident.