Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.

Carrie Fisher

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Han & Leia Appreciation Week: Day 3, Part 1

There are so many wonderful things to say about Carrie Fisher, from her sense of humor to her kindness to her advocacy for mental health. But I think of this quote almost constantly. More than even Leia, the idea of “stay afraid but do it anyway” is a part of my daily life.

I’m one of those people who becomes paralyzed with fear. I have severe anxiety and I fight it every day.

I use procrastination as an unhealthy coping behavior. It started when I went to [insert snooty Ivy League here]: I didn’t think I belonged there, I didn’t think I was smart enough or good enough. So I stopped. I was so afraid of failing – or, of not being perfect – that I just didn’t do anything. I didn’t go to class. I didn’t do readings. I’d wait until the last second to turn in assignments. And I’d be terrified the entire time.

I’m in law school now, and I’m feeling those same feelings all over again. I’m literally paralyzed by my own fear. But I tell myself: stay afraid but do it anyway.

Paralyzed in fear is no way to live. Carrie knew this and she told all of us the best way she knew how to stop the cycle; her words help me every day.

Thanks Space Mom ❤️

(via wishfulfanficing)

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