What are the situations in your life that brought out your strength and fearlessness?

I used to think that I was one of only few with fears that came and went in my life — the fear of being a single mom and losing my loved ones, and fear for my three children’s future. And even when I was able to manage and conquer these fears through prayers and my strong faith in Him up there, I would sometimes wonder if other people experience and feel what I do.

Then last year I was invited to be one of the guest speakers in the “Wash Your Fears” Summit, an event that paid tribute to Fearless Filipinas. What was funny was I was very excited instead of being scared to share my thoughts, maybe because I knew that having experienced fear a lot of times in the past I could really speak from the heart and hopefully help others.

Entering the auditorium, I was overwhelmed to see the place filled to capacity as women were asked to write on white shirts their fears, then take it to the washing machine near them as a symbol of letting go and washing away their fears. When I was called on stage to share my thoughts, listening to other women speakers and hearing the questions thrown to us by the audience made me feel empowered, that our worries were just teaching me to trust God, that all my past fears were normal and that all of us in the auditorium were survivors and winners.

As we end Women’s Month, I have asked some fearless women to share with us how they overcame their fears and challenges in life.

Rina Albert-Llamas,artist, illustrator

I face the challenges I encounter with a lot of prayer and reflection on what God’s word has to say about my situation. I also make it a point to get lots of sound advice from friends and mentors that I trust.

Tessa Prieto Valdes, interior designer, events host

A grateful heart and some positive vibes are my weapons in facing challenges thrown my way. I do believe in the power of prayer, so when times are seemingly hopeless, I find answers in prayerful solitude at my daily Mass. When challenges involve friends or relatives, I try to see the situation from their perspective and work on a solution that would be favorable to both parties without affecting the relationship. It may be difficult to come to a compromise, but life is too short to have enemies, especially family. If the challenge is about money, I focus on the future and see if it’s worth fighting for or just a waste because, in the end, life is more precious than material riches.

Rima Ostwani, client development manager, Louis Vuitton

I am generally a very positive person and so when faced with challenges, I always try to keep a positive outlook. I seldom let my emotions take over. It’s like I’m programmed to automatically think of a solution or action plan. It is also acceptance that challenges are part of life and they almost always end up making you a stronger and wiser person.

Almira Muhlach, actress and makeup artist

For each and every challenge that I face, I turn to God and fervently pray for him to give me wisdom and guide me on the steps that I have to take to solve my problems. I also read God’s promises in the Bible to assure myself that he will never leave me. We are not perfect and oftentimes we get so affected that we forget to call on God and trust that He knows what’s best for us. Every challenge we face in life prepares us for better things that God has planned for us.

Cat Juan Ledesma, lifestyle blogger

I usually start by asking advice from my husband, mom or dear friends to get a better perspective on the situation. And once all sides of the challenge are understood, I deal with it head-on. I’m one of those who prefer to fix something as soon as possible rather than let it dwell or fester. The sooner an issue is dealt with, the better my sleep at night.

Nifleda Huab Wessling, mompreneur based in London

Being the pragmatist that I am, I refer to myself as a “next-steps” person.  Never mind the exciting type of challenges as those can be faced head-on with enthusiasm.  However, for the rather unpalatable challenge, I first let out a good heavy sigh, an unfettered scream, or a good, proper cry as needed.  Then I proceed to focus on the task at hand and ask myself what “next steps” need to be taken to overcome the challenge and achieve that goal that spells WIN.  I always tell my children that life is a series of making choices — one can choose to prolong the worrying and sulking, or choose to pick up and get going, keeping one’s eyes on the prize.  The quicker one decides and chooses the latter, the better!  Also for me, meditation in prayer always finds its way somewhere in the process — definitely!

Mandy Dela Rama, entrepreneur

I’ve had more than my fair share of challenges over the last couple of years that would’ve have probably knocked Wonder Woman to her knees.  I cannot elaborate on those instances, but I will say that what probably kept me standing was my ability to rely completely on myself. “No” was also never an option, unless it was the absolute and only option.  I also 100-percent love the life given to me, and it helped me stand resolute despite my fears.

Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, chairperson, Kazalimbago (Change) Movement

Being alone in many male-dominated boards or platforms strengthens my resolve to be the best I can be. I try to change stereotypes, of being perceived as less educated because of my attire. Stand up and mingle, introduce yourself rather than wait to be approached. Overcome the fear others have of you looking like a “terrorist.”

I was asked, “Why not go back to Mindanao where you belong?”  It is precisely being from the province that I want to contribute my share in the capital, whether through media discourse or public decision-making such as the peace process I’m now working on.

As a blogger, I strive to make the unheard be heard through the stories I write, whether about the first female Muslim governor or the facially covered newscaster from Tawi-Tawi.

Maika Jae Rivera Tanpoco, actress, gemologist

I face them knowing that one day, no matter how heavy the problem/s, it will end. Back when I was playing tennis, one of the biggest mottos I stuck by was “pain is temporary, giving up is forever.”

Trixie Cruz Angeles, publisher, Politiko

As with any problem, there are steps to solve it. Research, planning, attack/execution, clean up. Then there is mindset. If I recognize early on that I feel defeated, I turn the problem over to someone with a better view. If I get over the initial feeling and find that sweet spot in my mind, I get back in and attack again. What is important always is attitude, confidence. If I don’t have it, I search for inspiration from books, movies, poetry, conversation. Anything that gets me back into the frame of mind I need to overcome the challenge.