Fear...how it shows up

Dressed, but not always too well. Fear-filled eyes, a reddened face and shaking hands can be giveaways. Other times, it’s dressed to impress. On the outside, we look cool and composed, but inwardly it’s a whole different story.

Failure, rejection and insecurity are just some of the places fear can stem from. Of course, we all know it differently.

Fear can be a real bully, so standing up to it and having some tricks up your sleeve to tame it when it’s taking control can be valuable.

Be your own voice of reassurance and encouragement

There’s not always going to be someone around to support us through fear-filled times or moments. I believe fear can come from our inner child, so how would you comfort a child who was scared?

I trust the majority of us would be gentle, comforting and, if appropriate, perhaps a little playful. So apply this to yourself when the need arises.

Pluses and minuses

Quite often, the intensity of fear can be reduced by seeing it from a different angle. Take the thing that’s stirring up the difficult feelings and write down all the reasons for and against it. What do you notice?

Talk

Talk with someone you trust. Voicing concerns can make a world of difference and may be all that’s needed to change your state.

Give it attention

Turning our back on our “F” friend when it calls by is easily done. When you feel its bite or nibble, take the time you need to sit with it and acknowledge it. This can be tough, but really therapeutic.

Take a step

As long as you’re being true to yourself and doing something from a place of integrity, take a step and keep going. Be brave with the fear. How you grow from it, and the feel-good factor of coming out the other side, might just be the best gift to yourself.