Fear freezes your ability to be straightforward

When we are scared, nervous or afraid, we shut out the outside world. We become less open and transparent. Instead of accepting our true selves and admitting that we are afraid, we put up a wall designed to keep out the truth.

We lose sight of the importance of being straightforward and honest.

Fear can undermine openness and honesty in anyone, including myself.

Like many parents, I tend to think my children should be perfect.

When I was afraid that my daughter was not working hard enough and I let her know, she withdrew from me and put up a wall.

The truth was I was the problem.

When I realized how negative I was being, I had to remind myself to have a caring mindset. I invited her to go for a walk. We had a great time and an even better discussion, where I realized how much she had accomplished.

I was no longer afraid that she might not be all she could be. The wall between us began to crumble because neither of us were afraid to be straightforward.

Fear had driven us from each other. Honesty brought us back together.

What walls have you built because you were afraid?