Fear isn’t the problem, misreading it is.

In this episode of Paddle Forward: Navigating Life’s Currents, Anacani Walters breaks down one of the most misunderstood emotional experiences women face: fear.

Instead of treating fear as weakness or something to “push through,” Anacani reframes it as valuable feedback from the nervous system, a signal designed to keep us safe, not stuck.

Drawing from her lived experience as a mama, nurse-turned-entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and stand-up paddleboard instructor, Anacani explains why traditional “fearless mindset” advice often leads to burnout, avoidance, and self-judgment. She shares how self-love isn’t something you practice after fear disappears, it’s how you move with fear in a regulated, grounded way.

You’ll learn how to recognize fear as data, how to pause instead of override your body’s signals, and how to build real confidence through self-trust rather than perfection.

The episode closes with a simple, powerful grounding practice you can use the very next time fear shows up in your body, business, or life.

This episode is for anyone who’s tired of pushing through, tired of waiting to feel “ready,” and ready to move forward without abandoning themselves.

1. Why fear is not a flaw, but a nervous system response
2. How misreading fear leads to burnout, avoidance, and self-doubt
3. The difference between fearlessness and self-trust
4. Why self-love is about listening, not forcing confidence
5. A simple grounding practice to regulate fear in real time
6. How to keep moving forward with fear instead of waiting for it to disappear

00:00 – Fear Isn’t the Problem

01:08 – Welcome to Paddle Forward

01:43 – Season Two Kickoff

02:18 – Why Fear Is So Misunderstood

03:45 – Fear as Nervous System Feedback

06:01 – Self-Love vs. Fearless Mindset

08:19 – Practical Steps to Handle Fear

09:47 – Recap & Key Takeaways

10:39 – How You Can Support the Podcast

11:12 – Closing Message

The next time fear shows up:

1. Pause for one breath
2. Put your feet on the floor and ground yourself
3. Ask: “What is this fear trying to protect?”

That single question can interrupt the spiral and bring you back into regulation.

If this episode helped you reframe fear even a little:

1. Save this episode
2. Share it with someone who’s been hard on themselves for feeling afraid
3. Leave a review to help this message reach more hearts

Your support keeps Paddle Forward flowing.

Follow Anacani Walters for more mindful movement, nervous system support, and real-life self-trust:

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