Stepping Back into the Morning

Reclaiming My Power Through Fear

🌿 Health Note for Seasons of Stregnth Reflection 3 – Written 21 July 2025

This reflection was written after my first early morning walk since my GP had originally sent me to emergency months earlier. It marked a quiet but powerful return to something that had once been part of my weekly rhythm. For years, I had walked or run before sunrise with a friend, but this was the first time I’d stepped back into that space. Just walking to meet her felt like a huge challenge. Not physically, but emotionally. I had been carefully rebuilding for weeks, and though I was still managing palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and poor temperature regulation, I’d been cleared to listen to my body. That morning, I walked 5km and it felt good. It felt normal. It was a turning point, the beginning of moving again with intention, confidence, and connection.

💛Stepping Back into the Morning

There’s a certain magic in the stillness of early mornings. The quiet air, the soft darkness, and the promise of a new day. But when fear has held you back for months, even the simplest step outside can feel monumental.

I turn off my alarm, though I’m already wide awake.

staring at the ceiling, filled with anticipation for this next step in my recovery. Early morning runs have always been my favourite part of the day. It’s never been easy to rise in the darkness, but what it gives back to me runs deep into my core.

Today, I won’t run. Today, I will walk. Slow, but progressive.

As I step outside, I’m greeted by the crisp, still air of early morning. There’s a quiet beauty in the darkness. The cold makes my cheeks tingle, and each breath escapes as small clouds of mist, caught in the glow of my head torch. Rising before the sun…before my kids need me…I soak in this rare moment to simply be.

Five months ago, the doctors told me to limit my exercise, to keep my heart rate low for fear of triggering my condition. And with that restriction came something I hadn’t felt in years…anxiety and fear. At first, I didn’t recognise it creeping back into my life. I’ve since learned that it’s not only an emotional reaction to my diagnosis but also a symptom of my condition itself. Knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to feel.

Years ago, I made a decision that changed my life: to live by the motto “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Facing fear taught me courage. It built resilience. It gave me a deeper sense of self-worth. Fear is natural, but it’s the inaction it creates that keeps us stuck. Growth only comes when we move forward despite the fear.

My heart condition isn’t cured, but it’s managed. And now, I’m choosing to take back my power. I’m stepping through fear, even when it feels awkward and uncomfortable…because our brains are wired to protect us from discomfort.

This morning, as I stood at the door, fear whispered, “Don’t go. It’s dark. It’s cold.” But I stepped outside anyway.

And it felt like stepping out of a dark room into sunlight…a moment of awe, relief, and quiet joy that makes you wonder why you were so afraid in the first place. The tightness of fear loosened its grip, and I could breathe again.

Today, I stretched my comfort zone just a little further. And in doing so, I feel more capable than I was yesterday. Pride blooms softly in my chest, and I feel myself expand.

I am bigger than the fear.

Stronger than the doubt.

I am free.

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Wherever you are in your journey, you’re not alone.

Lisa🌻