At one time or another we have all experienced fear. Whether we are afraid of heights, spiders or failure, we’ve felt that cold, hard knot of anxiety in the pit of our stomachs. The good news is…we have a choice…we can let fear rule us and prevent us from moving and growing – or – we can look fear straight in the eye and see it as an opportunity to move forward. To move right through it and into a new place in our lives! We choose.

Although fear can sometimes be paralyzing, literally, it is not always a bad thing.  There are some things that we should be afraid of…and we should react with extreme caution and care. When fear controls and defines us though – we can cheat ourselves out of a rich and full life!

The emotions we feel are created from the thoughts that we choose to focus on, consciously or unconsciously. So if we focus on fear… yep… MORE fear!

Here are 6 tips to help put fear in perspective

1. Breathe and Observe

Bring your awareness to the present moment by taking several deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you exhale force the air through your teeth. This aides in processing heavy emotions and shifts your focus. It also allows you to detach from your fear. You can remind yourself that you are not your thoughts, emotions or body – you are an infinite being having a human experience!

It’s NOW, in the present moment that we are empowered and can consciously choose the thoughts we engage.

2. Visualize

Our minds respond powerfully and quickly to images.  When we’re experiencing fear we can imagine all kinds of negative scenarios. It’s part of our brain’s ‘hard wiring’ to process the negative first. When cavemen fought daily for their lives – the ones who processed the negative scenarios the most thoroughly and quickly – survived.  Thankfully – we can handle these fear based reactions differently.

Find a quiet place where you can be alone for 5 minutes. In your mind see the ideal outcome to the scenario. See the outcome you would love to have manifest in your reality. Feel the feeling you will feel, see the bright colors, hear the sounds, smell the air as you bring the image to life. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your mind will calm down!

3. You Are Not Alone… everyone is afraid of something.

Although you might not share the same exact fears – everyone has something that they are afraid of and understanding this can help you deal with feelings of isolation and self-judgment. Talking with others about your fears can help you see things in a different light, feel supported, and possibly share a common way to work through them. 

4.  You don’t have to overcome your fear all at once.

It’s difficult enough to deal with fear without adding overwhelm to the equation. There are no rules. There are no musts and must-nots. There is no panel of judges. It’s okay to break things down into manageable steps and move forward at a pace that resonates with you. Baby steps are fine…. Choose three small steps you could make to overcome your fear and choose one to try. Do it. 

5. Shift Your Perspective.

What would your life be like without this fear?   Let’s take a look beyond the fear to the benefits of overcoming it.

Make a list of the pros and cons of dealing with the thing that you’re most afraid of:

• What are the benefits of overcoming this fear?
• How will your life be different if you’re no longer afraid of this?
• What do you have to lose by giving up that fear?

If you can objectively envision the advantages of moving past your fear, you can now see it as an opportunity for growth.

6. Be careful what you say…you’re listening.

It can be far too easy to convince yourself that your reasons for being afraid are all valid.  We can imagine all sorts of negative things when we’re afraid, but this doesn’t make those things real. The more we let our fear fuel our words – the more we reinforce their stranglehold on our lives!

Although it’s perfectly natural to be fearful of the unknown, why not imagine the best outcome? What if instead of believing the worst – we anticipate the best. Speak those words. The words of possibility and success!  Take That, Fear!

Also, keep in mind that there really is no such thing as failure – only successful learning. Since having a goal to be fearless is not realistic or possible – when fear shows up (and it will) look it straight in the eye and tell it to SHOVE OFF!

Our focus determines where our energy flows, and what we create in our lives. It’s time to release fear and limitation and choose happiness!

How do you deal with fear?  I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment below…

Supporting you on your journey,

Gia Reed is a Registered Healer, Certified Life (Energy) Coach, Reiki Master, Mentor, Author and Editor dedicated to healing and awakening – mind, body & spirit – both her own and the worlds! It is her life purpose and JOY to assist others in initiating their own emotional, spiritual and physical healing! To learn more – visit: The New Essence of Healing or email Gia directly: gia@thenewessenceofhealing.com

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