Facing Your Fears
February 17, 2023|Animal Lovers and Med Team, Authenticity & Self Expression
Fear is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, uncertainty, and apprehension. It’s the feeling that can stop us from doing things, keep us in our comfort zone, and even limit our lives. But it’s also natural, necessary, and can even be beneficial. Often, facing our fears can help us overcome obstacles, become more assertive, and live life to its fullest. Facing our fears takes courage and strength.
Common Reasons for Facing Fear
There are many reasons why people face their fears. For some, it’s about encouraging growth and expanding horizons, experiencing new things to enable a more authentic life. Others face their fears for protection, like for self-defense or to safeguard the safety of others in dangerous situations. And sometimes, it’s about developing a stronger sense of self-confidence, grit, and resilience from overcoming challenging experiences.
Examples of Fear
Fear can come in all shapes and sizes, from significant apprehensions to more minor anxieties and phobias. Fear of heights is common, especially when attempting activities such as rock climbing or bungee jumping. Fear of the unknown is another one that people grapple with daily. We never know what will happen next or how to get through something until we do it. And then there’s the ever-powerful fear of failure, which prevents many of us from trying new things or reaching our goals.
Tips for Facing Fears
If you find yourself struggling with fear, here are some tips to help you tackle it head-on. Firstly, it’s crucial to analyze your fear - what emotions arise, and where does the difficulty stem? Secondly, visualize success and envision yourself achieving the desired outcome with confidence and strength - this will help build positivity in your thinking. Thirdly, taking small steps rather than attempting everything at once will make your fear more manageable; this is also true in terms of comfort zones - bit by bit, test out riskier experiences and watch your confidence grow. Finally, support plays an essential role, too; reaching out to friends or family who can provide a reassuring presence when tackling something that feels daunting.
Tackle Your Fears
It doesn’t matter which fears you decide to tackle because no experience is an easy ride when facing fears, but it also can bring with it so much reward for every effort. I encourage everyone to challenge themselves within reason and experience the joy of saying ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’ even if just on occasion; you may find new passions and strengths hiding just beneath the surface, waiting to emerge good luck!
Until next time, be well.
-The Indigo Phoenix