Tapping Into Fear to Find Clarity in Life’s Big Decisions
Deciding which way…
Do you ever feel paralyzed by a big decision, unsure of what’s right and overwhelmed by the ‘what-ifs’?
Making a big decision can feel overwhelming. The racing thoughts, the endless ‘what-ifs,’ and the pressure to get it right can create a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. In episode 15 of Tapping Into Emotional Freedom, I had the pleasure of speaking with Johanna Walker, a public speaking coach who helps professionals craft powerful messages and confidently share their stories. But in this episode, we weren’t talking about public speaking- we were talking about how to support our nervous system through uncertainty and major life transitions.
The Weight of Big Decisions
Johanna recently made a significant decision- moving to another state. While the decision was made, the uncertainty that followed left her feeling anxious, stuck in her head, and overwhelmed by the countless small choices that came next.
Does that sound familiar? When faced with change, our minds often spiral into overthinking mode, creating a storm of thoughts like:
What if I make the wrong choice?
How do I figure everything out?
Why is this so hard for me?
Johanna described the feeling as a series of “boomerangs” in her head- one decision tied to another, making it hard to move forward. Fear crept in, leading to self-judgment and a sense of panic.
Calming the Nervous System with EFT Tapping
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping, is a powerful evidence-based tool to release emotional blocks and calm the nervous system. Together, Johanna and I practiced a few rounds of tapping to ease the overwhelm and create space for clarity. Here’s how you can try it too:
Start with a deep breath – Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.
Tap on the side of your hand while saying:
Even though I feel overwhelmed by this big decision, I honor my feelings and give myself permission to process release them.
Move through the tapping points, repeating statements like: (If you want to learn more about EFT Tapping check this blog )
So many thoughts, so many moving pieces.
It’s overwhelming, and I feel stuck.
But I choose to have compassion for myself in this process.
Continue breathing deeply, noticing shifts in how your body feels.
As Johanna tapped along, she experienced a shift- a release of tension and a softening of fear. Tapping may not erase the challenge completely, but it creates a sense of inner calm, making it easier to approach decisions from a place of clarity rather than stress.
From Overthinking to Trusting Yourself
The biggest takeaway from this session? We don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Often, the need for certainty keeps us paralyzed. But when we slow down, regulate our nervous system, and approach decisions with self-compassion, we gain the confidence to take the next step.
If you’ve been struggling with a big decision, I invite you to try tapping. Notice where fear shows up in your body, acknowledge it, and give yourself permission to process it. You don’t have to do it alone.
Listen to the Full Episode
Curious to hear Johanna’s full story and experience the tapping session for yourself? Watch episode 15 of Tapping Into Emotional Freedom here.
Want More Support?
Join my upcoming program “Beyond Limitations- Your Roadmap to Success in 2025,” where we’ll explore deeper ways to identify hidden blocks that may be keeping you stuck. Check it out here!
And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more practical tools to navigate stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
Remember: You are not stuck. You are in transition. And you have the power to move forward with ease.
With love and gratitude,
Elisa