What do you think of when you think about fear? Is it anything good?
Fear tends to have a negative reputation in society because admitting to being afraid is to admit that we do not have control over everything in our lives. We want stability; we want to know that things are going to be alright. We want it so much that even when we feel unstable, we pretend that we do not.
But there is another truth about fear that we do not talk about very much. No one talks about the fact that there are many facets to fear—the fact that the word ‘fear’ covers a broad range of emotions from nervousness all way to panic. And we certainly do not mention that fear can be a positively motivating influence in our lives.
Just think about it for a minute. Have you ever studied for a test because you were afraid to fail? Have you ever locked your door because you were afraid someone would come in uninvited?
Did you think about those situations in the context of fear? Most people would not. Most people look at those situations from a preventative context. They would explain that their behavior comes from a place of caution and concern. But why be cautious if there is nothing to fear?
People make decisions everyday because they are trying to avoid certain outcomes or consequences. And that is okay. It is entirely normal to be afraid—for ourselves, for our loved ones, for any and every number of people and things. It is completely acceptable to acknowledge that we are afraid and even to ask for help in managing those fears.
When we feel as though fear is in control of our life it may mean that there is an anxiety disorder that needs to be addressed. But when fear is not in control, it can be a tool to help push us forward to bigger and better things.
*If you feel like you are experiencing an anxiety disorder, please reach out to your doctor or a qualified professional for help.