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Fear is Scared too
I do not watch scary movies because I do not like the way my body feels when I am watching with anticipation what I know is going to be bad. That may be fine for others, but terror-filled suspense is created to shock. Count me out. Shock me with something good for me. Fear is at the base of most issues in life. It is a built-in system handed down from our ancestors that they used all the time to stay alive. I am thankful they were so adept at its use. But it has decreased in need with our more safety-conscious society. The strength of its old neural pathways is so intense, we must actively work with our fears to understand them.
Friendly Fear
I like to think that there is a friendly side to fear. After all, it magnifies what needs to be observed. Courage literally shows up when fear is present. Otherwise, courage just sits on its butt all day waiting for something to do. Fear is like the exercise trainer for courage. When we stop and think about worst case scenarios, our fears are great at helping us conjure up all sorts of wild disasters. It ignites the imagination to create stories that don’t have a chance of occurring. But we get to spend some time in worry. Lots of us love our worry time. It feels useful even though it really isn’t. It is really just an old habit that we continue to use because we haven’t examined its track record to see if it is still working. Set a timer on it when in use; don’t waste more than ten minutes on future worry.
Fear Growth
Science time! Our fears may start out small, but a flicker of anxiety can grow into tremendous terror within a couple of thoughts. Catastrophe ahead! What follows is numbing paralysis or a giant explosion in the lab. Fear loves drama. Perhaps that is why tragedies are shared faster than silly good thoughts. We really don’t keep a good balance on experiences. This is a by-product of those old mind games that evolution just won’t take its graspy hands away from. Assuming the worst is a lifelong habit reinforced through outside influence. Generally, the worst is not what we really want, and it seems safer because it probably won’t really happen. When the worst is not experienced, we are proven true.
Fear needs a Trainer
Just as courage put fear to work, we need to train fear. The best method is often just walking on after notice. You know you need to acknowledge that it is there, or it will chase you down. Give it a moment and then move on. You can spend your allotted worry time with the secure knowledge that nothing is really going to happen. Be a good friend to the fearful side of you. Fear literally points to the parts of life that need attention. You can’t pay enough for that kind of intel. You mind is letting you onto yourself. If you are going to listen to anyone, start with you.
What fear are you magnifying right this second? How much time do you use in worry? Can you manage your thoughts about fear knowing how they can benefit you?
