Facing Fear - Part 3

Some of the steps necessary to evolve from a fear-based approach to a proactive, self-confident move forward are listed below.

* Managing fear – I want to share an embarrassing story with my readers. 

I do well with most creepy crawlers and critters and flying things.  However, MOTHS are my enemy.  I had become so afraid of them that it was detrimental to my health... SERIOUSLY... I did anything to get away from them.  Years ago I had been bound to a wheelchair and unable to support myself on my own 2 legs without assistance and one day as we were moving into the city... yes I lived in the country... I grabbed my mop doll hanging outside of my country home.  I shook it off and brought it into the van.  I proceeded to get into the van and buckled up the sorry excuse for a seat belt that I had.  The seatbelt didn't lock to prevent forward motion.  Well, as I was about to put the car in reverse to go down a steep hill, all of a sudden, a BABY moth flew out of the mop doll.  The irrational behaviour of mine, because of the fear, caused me to open my door and jump out of the van.  Well, next thing I know, I am hanging by that wretched seatbelt outside of the van in mid air unable to touch ground and unable to pull myself back in and all I could do was cry hysterically.  And even if I touched the ground, I would have been injured by the gravel road since I couldn't stand unassisted or run.  My daughter and others that were in the other car automatically knew that it was a bug, and they probably knew that it was a moth or a spider, which were my greatest fears that would bring that type of reaction.  They didn't even have to ask what it was, they knew.  I had to get assistance to get back into the van AFTER they cleared the baby moth out and took the mop doll into their car instead.

We must not let fear master us but we must manage it until we conquer it so as to not give it power over us or become our master.

* Making difficult and bold choices

Sometimes we make choices out of fear only because they are difficult, which shouldn’t be done because it usually isn’t a wise choice.  Instead, we must step out of our comfort zone and be bold to make the decisions that are necessary and best for us, even if we are afraid in dealing with what we will have to face.   50% of our fears that we have never come to fruition.

* Taking risks

At times you we will need to take risks, not unnecessary or life threatening risks… i.e. bungy jumping.   I mean risks that may be required for you to have a better quality of life and to live with a new state of mind.   For example: you may need to change jobs, schools, homes, make new friends that are different in type compared to your old friends, etc.  Do whatever it takes to be a better you.

* Being ready, willing and

able to face conflict

Since we are not an island unto ourselves, there will naturally be some kind of conflict that will develop between people.  Be ready, willing and able to face the conflict, not to fight the people, but to face the conflict that will occur.  Be ready, willing, able to work together to find a positive solution to a problem that you may have with someone or something.

* Developing a proactive attitude toward difficulties in life

When difficulties arise, instead of allowing them to paralyze you with fear, or causes you to be irrational in your behavior, be proactive in your attitude.  Do what is necessary that will allow you to overcome them.  If we don’t have difficulties then we will not grow. Just remember this… DIFFICULTIES are CHALLENGES that can be changed into VICTORIES!

Join me Wednesday as we cover the last 5 steps in being proactive to overcoming fear.  Until then, be strong, be courageous, and be willing to face your fears in order to change your state of mind.