Fear impacts our thinking and decision-making in negative ways. Leaving us susceptible to intense emotions and impulsive reactions.
Fear also deters us from taking action we know will benefit us. And our aversion discounts a choice.
Fear’s a powerful emotion that’s instigated by perceived danger or threat. This emotion causes physiological and behavioural changes. And can trigger other emotions such as anger, sadness, and shame.
In responding to this emotion, we may react by avoiding the perceived threat.
Queue the need for a holiday to escape the stressors in life.
But, this only perpetuates the issue.
Escape should not be something we demand from life or feel we need as a coping tool.
As the dependence on being able to escape from stressful situations creates its own problems.
True inner peace comes from the nature of our thoughts, rather than pleasant natural surroundings.
Everything that troubles us, is as it would be on a beach or by the pool.
Mental resilience comes from being able to regain your composure wherever you find yourself. Putting yourself on a mountain top regardless of the circumstances.
Returning to your faculty of reason will see you rise above external events. This is the inner citadel in which you can retreat to.
We’re made stronger by habitualising stress not avoiding it.
Exposure will help you to “climb the fear ladder” by exposure to the object of fear in gradual increments.
For example, if you have social anxiety you could start climbing the fear ladder by smiling at a stranger on your daily commute.
Then build your way up to initiating a conversation with someone at work.
One day, you may feel confident enough to build an intimate relationship.
If we confront our fears, the symptoms of anxiety decrease over time.
Removing the fear and giving you choice.
Which is paramount, because your choices decide your fate. And every step you take determines your destiny.
The power of choice determines our future.
