Fear is one of those interesting things. It can cause stomach aches, health problems, and anxiety, among other woes, but it can also push you to explore life—and yourself—from a different perspective.

We’ve all faced troubles or worries. Most of them cause a bit of anxiety and then simply slip by, and we make it out unscathed. After the experience, we are left feeling relieved that something bad didn’t happen, and are maybe a bit stronger, and better able to cope with the next worry that comes along.

But there are—and will always be—the events that stop you dead in your tracks. Those are the ones we’re usually unprepared for. Whether it’s an unexpected move, a sudden loss, or a major shift—whether in a relationship or a career—once you feel the fear creeping in, it’s hard to stop it from growing like an angry monster inside of you.

You can let fear stop you. Or you can use it to propel you further.

You see, in life, there are always choices—paths to walk, roads to explore. You can choose to let the fear sink in and eat you up. Or you can make the choice to express the fear before it consumes you.

Let yourself feel it and express it—whether it’s sadness, anger or grief. Say your feelings out loud (even if it’s in front of a mirror), write them in a journal, or throw eggs in your bathtub. And then coax yourself to move beyond it, little by little, step by step. Tell yourself, “I am bigger than this fear. I am strong without it. I do not need it anymore.”

Once you’ve accepted this truth, you will begin to see it behind you. You will stand taller and breathe easier. You will grow from it and may eventually even be able to see the good in it. Because this, too, will make you stronger.