Being afraid is normal; however, when fear becomes a daily and habitual state, it’s time to examine your story. Why? Chronic or sustained fear has a damaging effect on our TOTAL HEALTH. My favorite reminder to myself is this: “If I am not living in love, I am existing in fear.” This is not thriving; this is not living abundantly. I also like to remind myself with this saying as well: “If I am not living in love, I am dying in fear.” Basically we see the idea, chronic fear is destructive and unhealthy.

Fear Has Become A Hot Topic

One reason why fear is such a hot topic is because more and more people are coming to the realization that the root cause of unhappiness and poor health in many instances is fear. Another reason is the insidious nature of fear.  However, not all fear is bad. For instance, fear can motivate you to change your habits: “He was afraid of dying, so after his first heart attack, he finally decided to stop smoking and cut out the greasy foods he indulged in regularly.”

It’s the daily chronic fear that cripples or paralyzes, literally and sometimes figuratively, that we are concerned about.  The fear that makes grown men and women do unhealthy and self-destructive things.  The fear that many people do not recognize is influencing their choices. While you may have a different perspective, I ask you to consider these facts:

1. Fear paralyzes you: “She was so scared, she would not leave the burning building; thus, she died from smoke inhalation.”
2. Fear can leave you so afraid and confused, it causes you to make impulsive decisions: “He was so scared and confused; he thought the guy walking towards him had a gun and he shot him. Only to find out the guy was holding a bottle of beer in his hand.”
3. Fear of loneliness keeps many people stuck in unhealthy relationships because they are afraid of being alone.
4. Fear of failing has kept many people from leaving their “comfort zones” or their dead-end jobs.

Understand The Connection Between Needs And Fear

Understand, that you are creating fear as a response to your core beliefs and your thoughts. When something you value or need is being threatened, most people respond with fear. Therefore, if you threaten someone’s life, livelihood, or safety, they will become afraid. The threat of bankruptcy can make people do scary stupid things because they are afraid of what others may think. Denzel Washington played a father in the movie “John Q”, who was afraid his son would die because his insurance would not cover the treatment, and he took the emergency room staff hostage to save his son. A totally irrational move on his part, but that is how powerful fear can be. It boxes you into a corner [emotionally and mentally] and in a vulnerable and confused state, you think and believe there is no way out. However, that is absolutely untrue. There is always a way out.

How Fear Affects The Body And Psyche

Fear causes intense emotional and mental distress; fear can also cause psychosomatic discomfort and pain. Many people have heard the acronym for fear: false evidence appearing real. I take the acronym a step further. Fear is a figment of our imagination, which engenders extreme disturbance and discomfort in our minds and bodies. Fear attacks when you are most vulnerable and resists vigorously your attempts to regain clarity. Regain clarity by remembering that your beliefs and thoughts are creating the feeling.

6-Step Approach To Conquering Fear

1. The first thing to do is recognize the truth: get the facts.
2. Next, check for limiting beliefs or toxic thoughts running around in your mind. Neutralize or negate those beliefs and thoughts with the truth.
3. Remember your source of providence.
4. Know and depend on your source of unconditional love and strength.
5. Make a realistic plan to start restoring order in your life and finances.
6. Finally, know that it takes time to restore order, so be patient and loving to yourself.