We've all faced it at some point in our lives. The dreaded "F" word: FEAR. Yep, its been a constant companion for me for many years of my life. And, yes, I've missed some amazing opportunities as a result of allowing fear to dictate my response or - in some cases - my non-response - in a variety of situations. But, I've also stepped out and taken risks many,many times as a result of my overcoming and conquering fear. Let me start off by saying this: I've come to understand that fear has gotten a bad rap.
What???!! Ms. Positivity speaking in defense of fear? Well , yeah. Fear in and of itself is not a bad thing. Its fear that has kept me from venturing into circumstances that could harm me or my family. Its fear that alerts me when something doesn't seem to be "quite right". I also believe that fear is the underlying foundation for what we refer to as "intuition" or that "gut feeling". Fear is a catalyst of sorts for me because it shakes up something inside that forces me to take a look at my desires and dreams - things that I know I'm able to achieve - ideas and goals just waiting to manifest. And, if the truth be told, fear is what actually propels me outside my comfort zone. The thought that something or someone could stand in the way of making a dream come true, well, just doesn't sit well with my spirit.
As I look at my life I'm in awe of my accomplishments: from a girl growing up poor ( not in proverty cuz proverty is a mind set ), learning how to live life from parents with less than 6 grade educations, to being told that she wasn't "college material" to owning and operating her own law firm. It is a humbling yet powerful testimony to the fact that "all things are possible to them that believe". I have a confession to make: I do a lot of things even when fear is present. And you know what - all the things that fear tells you will go wrong, that you need to "not rock the boat", that you need to be complacent, that you got it made and you're comfortable now - why change things- all the conversations that go on in your head because of fear all boils down to this: FEAR IS FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. Fear becomes what we allow it to become - no more - no less. I had to change my mind set when it came to fear laden thoughts. First off, I don't try to stop them. I've just developed ways to control and co - exist with my fears. Yes, fear is still there. I'm kinda glad it is for I see it for what it truly is and what it has to offer. It motivates me to continue to challenge life and to appreciate and be grateful for all that life has to offer. I love this quote: "Do that which you fear and the death of fear is certain". I agree. Fear will attempt to shake and make you doubt yourself. Yet, as my life had shown me - its not the FEAR that stops you , but, rather, your BELIEF of and in that fear. Question: what is your FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL? "For God did not give us a spirit of fear...". Peace. Oh, the pix - its me overcoming my fear of heights at the Grand Canyon - whew!
