Courteney Cox Got Very Candid About the Ways Fear Ruled Her Life & How She Overcame It

Operating from a place of fear can feel debilitating. But when it gets to the point that the emotion is impacting how you make decisions and find joy in the world, it becomes unbearable. Courteney Cox opened up about how much fear impacted her, and what it took for her to overcome the feeling.

“I used to do a lot of things out of fear, even making connections with people, checking in with people…not taking a chance, a risk,” the Shining Vale actress shared in a new profile with Marie Claire. “Now, fear doesn’t play nearly as big of a part in my life. I push myself more,” she said.

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It took Cox a lot of time and introspection to achieve the kind of confidence she now possesses. In the past, the Friends alum said she would “stop myself from doing things, and I would talk myself out of stuff by justifying—oh, you know, that’s not really what I want to do.” After years of reflection and therapy, per Marie Claire, Cox overcame those doubts and fears.

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“Now I take these thoughts…I’ll just put [each] out as if it’s a candle,” she told the outlet. “Because I think whenever you give wind or air or attention to things, they do get bigger. Why stay in the past or project into the future?” Cox’s journey to overcome her innate fear and doubt is a feeling so many can relate to. Her words, which ultimately gesture to staying in the moment and embracing her confidence, really resonate with us, and we hope it’s a piece of advice that rings true for others.

Before you go, click here to see actresses over 50 who are more successful now than ever.

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