Face Your Fears
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Despite what many would have you to believe, it’s normal to experience moments of fear. Fear is a defense mechanism built into our psyches for a reason. It can keep us safe from harm. Fight or flight. For many “flight” is their default response in the face of fear. But there will be times when you must face your fears and “fight” through the feelings of anxiety. Anxiety feeds off fear and can be paralyzing. But we must not allow fear to hold us back from pursuing our dreams.
“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” ~ Yoda (Stars Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) *
As I stated in a previous article, for many, anger has become the default response to feelings of fear. Men are taught to not show fear because it is considered a sign of weakness and being labeled a coward is both disrespectful & unacceptable. But suppressed feelings of fear can lead to increased anger and long-term pain & suffering. Exposing ourselves to what we fear takes away its power, enabling us to conquer the whispers in our minds.
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” ~ Louisa May Alcott
Fear in the face of adversity is normal. There will be storms in your life, but adversity is one of the greatest teachers. The winds of change can be devastating. And it’s times like these where you must rise to the occasion and find a way to maintain control as you maneuver through the varying seasons of life. These storms will give you the strength to keep your composure in the face of fear. Once you get your sea legs you will be able to remain steady in the future storms that follow.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ~ Dale Carnegie
Again, fear can be paralyzing. But the key is to not allow the paralysis to become permanent. Action is one of the best ways to overcome fear. Once you make the decision to confront your fears, your mind will begin coming up with ways to silence them. The constant exposure to your fears will numb its effects. But if you remain stagnant, your fears will become stronger, continually flooding your mind. Facing your fears takes courage, but you were built for it. 2 Timothy 1:7 states that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Always keep this in mind when fear, anxiety, and the rest of those annoying little voices creep into your mind.
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