Understanding Fear

Courage grows by daring, fear by holding back

It is important to occasionally reflect on the principles of life. If we remember that the way we respond to fearful situations determines whether we become timid individuals or models of strength, we would choose our actions more carefully. Whenever we are struck by fear, we are standing at a fork in the road. One branch of the road leads to cowardice, the other to courage. One fork leads to our desires and dreams, the other to disappointment and despair.

Fear is a beacon, pointing the way to a new opportunity. It is an invitation to stretch ourselves and experience more of our potential. If we're not watchful and succumb to fear, it will inhibit our growth. Growth is synonymous with change. How can we make progress by standing still? Yet, many of us resist change, preferring to remain in our comfort zone. Imagine a developing butterfly refusing to leave its chrysalis (cocoon). Unless it's willing to spend a great deal of energy to break free, it will not reach its potential and become a butterfly. But for those that make the effort, the rewards are great. The exhilaration of flight! What about us? Are we willing to break through our chrysalis (comfort zone)? If we want to soar badly enough, we will make the effort.

Fear is not to be shunned, but embraced, for it offers benefits. It protects us from harm by alerting us of danger. It is because of fear that we don't race across a street with heavy traffic. It helps to focus our attention, so if we have to cross a busy street, we will be alert and cross with caution. Whenever we conquer our fear, we are exhilarated. That is fear's gift to us. That's why there are people who love skydiving or bungee jumping. Fear can also be a powerful motivator. For example, if a lazy employee is told to start performing or risk getting fired, he or she may make a dramatic turnaround and become a valuable member of the team. To be afraid of what friends think of you is demeaning. But to be afraid of not acting up to standards that you hold for yourself is crippling.

As we have seen, fear should be understood as a positive force. Any negativity associated with it has no basis in reality; it is merely a mirage, a product of our mind. Harmful fear, then, can be called False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.). True, we may have to experience some discomfort to reach our goal, but we mustn't let that stop us. After all, he who fears to suffer, suffers from fear, and advances not. The fear of death casts a dark cloud on the ambitions of some. Why make an effort when life is so short, they argue. However, instead of being afraid my life will end, shouldn't I be afraid it will not begin? The truth is, that unless I take immediate action and pursue my goals, surely life will not even begin. Here are some quotes that I would like to share with you all today, they were spoken by some very influential people of out times. If you are the kind of person that strives to take control of your destiny and master your fears then these inspiring words will make your life a little easier on your pursuit to achieving your dreams and aspirations. Enjoy!

Don Miguel Ruiz: "Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive -- the risk to be alive and express what we really are."

Dorothy Thompson: "The most destructive element in the human mind is fear. Fear creates aggressiveness."

Eleanor Roosevelt: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."

Gertrude Stein: "Anything scares me, anything scares anyone but really after all considering how dangerous everything is nothing is really very frightening."

Hannah Arendt: "Fear is an emotion indispensable for survival."

Henry James: "Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."

Marianne Williamson: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it."

Rosa Parks: "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."

William Allen White: "I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today."

Robert Louis Stevenson: "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others."

Percy Bysshe Shelley: "Fear not for the future, weep not for the past."

Marie Curie: "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."

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