Mustering and Mastering Fear

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."- FDR - First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933

The power of fear is so great in our lives that it can control and influence our way of thinking or our lives in general. The major causes of sickness in most patients emanated from the mind according to medical research. Depression and anxieties are among the prime culprits. In addition, akin to these is fear.

What causes fear?

We get frightened for different reasons. With our differing personalities, some of us appear to be more susceptible to fear than rest of us; while others may appear to have no fear at all even in the face of danger or death.

1. Fear sometimes is an offshoot of our personality and character. The way we view things, our beliefs, and our held traditions can also be causes of fear.

2. Various traumatic events in our lives in the past can also be the cause of our fears. A boy who fell from a tree and broke a limb or two may eventually have fear of heights when he grows into adulthood.

3. Sometimes our fear are brought about by how we grew of up or the kind of environment we live in. If one got used to being nagged by his parents for trivial mistakes, he will likely grow afraid to try new things, take calculated risks, or make decisions on his own.

Fear of the Unknown?

There are still other causes of fear which some are valid but mostly, are actually ridiculous. Like the fear of the future. Uncertainty concerning the future is an overwhelming problem for so many of us, especially when what we see or hear are negative things that lessen or diminish our self-confidence. On other cases, sometimes just being associated with a pessimist could also influence us.

How do we overcome our fears?

Let me share a 3-fold simplistic approach:

1. Muster enough courage to face it or deal with it. Identify those fears and condition your mind that those are merely fragments of your imaginings.

2. Master the art of positive thinking. Be an optimist. Find good in all things.

3. Materialize your thinking with your actions by not allowing fear to interfere in your day-to-day activities. Associate yourself with people who are optimist. Enjoy and live life without fear.

Can you please add on the list?