I can’t do this… it’s too hard. I’m scared. What if people laugh at me?”

For a long time, that was the voice in my head anytime I was asked to do something—or even when I wanted to try something new. I was the perfect example of someone who lived in fear of people’s opinions. I trusted what others thought more than I trusted myself. I doubted myself in moments I should have believed in my abilities and in God.

I held back from things that made me happy because my decisions were controlled by “what will people say?”

And I know I’m not alone in this.

But think about it—aren’t we slowly destroying our own ideas, talents, and peace of mind by living this way?

I remember sitting in class, knowing the answer, but refusing to stand up because I was scared of getting it wrong. Then someone else would say the exact thing I had in mind—and sometimes get it right. In that moment, regret hits hard. Not because I didn’t know, but because I let fear win.

So the real question is:Was it truly my fault… or did I allow fear to dominate me?

Maybe the problem isn’t failure—maybe it’s the fear of being seen trying.

What do you think?