Did you know today is National Face Your Fear Day?
Ever think how your life would be if you did face a fear that was holding you back in an unhealthy way?
Can you even list your fears and which ones are the most detrimental to your spirit? I used to think I didn’t have a huge list of fears – I like pubic speaking, don’t shriek too loud at spiders and absolutely love thunder and lightening storms.
I don’t like heights.
And I definitely don’t like to open those cans of biscuit that explode unexpectantly with a shocking boom.
I am discovering though, that fear is the foundation for many of my negative emotions. Never realized that years ago.
Discouragement – Fear of not being good enough
Anger – fear of being powerless or insignificant or worse yet – unloved.
Guilt – fear of not being included or accepted.
Too much to do/read/learn – Fear of Missing Out ( FOMO)
So I found it interesting we had a National Face Your Fear Day and the opportunity to expose to the light, especially God’s light and love – what fears hold us back? Think about this for a moment – what would your life be like if you conquered a fear? What would you do differently?
I recently faced a fear. Periscope. Periscope is a live streaming app you watch on your smartphone just started last March. People broadcast live on various topics – and yes some are well done and some quite stupid and others can comment and add hearts if they like the content. It is a new way to connect with others, build an audience if you are a writer like me, and learn. I have gathered a ton of cool ideas and inspiration discovering others people’s scopes.
I lurked behind the scenes for a month, learning what to do and what not to do.
I told my hubby I thought I may try this new social media and see what it was like – THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE.
Or maybe not – I discovered once you tell someone else about a fear that person will hold your accountable – here I was facing the fear of going live – no second chance – to make a fool of yourself to the world – yes this broadcasts all across the world.
I came up with every excuse possible. I can be very creative, you know.
My phone wasn’t charge.
The room was too dark.
Oops, we weren’t in a place with good Wi-Fi.
I didn’t know what to broadcast.
I wasn’t ready yet.
To every excuse I took a baby step to “get ready” and suddenly I ran out of excuses. Not one left in the bucket of reasons never to try this.
“What’s holding you back?” he asked gently.
“Guess I am just scared to try it.”
FEAR!
Just do it.
He said it.
I thought it.
I finally said it out loud.
Just Do It!!
Thinking will not over fear, but action will.”
Clement Stone
So I did.
You can watch the nervous first timer on this website but clicking here.
Do what you fear and fear disappears.
David Joseph Schwartz
Fear gone. Yes I have only broadcasted a few times since then and still get anxious but I am no longer controlled and imprisoned by fear. In fact, the experience was freeing and fun.
What an interesting practice to take an inventory of the fears in your life. I bet there are some that need facing and eliminating. Just imagine how light you would feel without tugging around certain burdens.
What is your biggest fear?
I faced my fears, and I’m so glad I did! I am healthier and more alive than I have been in years!
Your words are encouraging and I know facing fears like you did isn’t always easy. I think the awards start to blossom after the fact, don’t they? then you see it was all worth it. Have a great weekend and so glad we have kept in touch.
What a good post! I have periscope, but I’ve been nervous to try it! Well done, you’ve encouraged me to push forward. So glad you were my neighbour this week at SDG!
I missed this comment earlier and so glad to hear from you Katharine. You are still in my prayers. I have now tried scoping 3 or 4 times. gets easier. so try it. I think like most new things you have to do it several times, then evaluate if you like it or not or if it is worth the time. Some people are really building their email lists up quickly but not sure if that is working for everyone. Lets keep in touch… blessings
My fears are many but I don’t tell them out loud. 🙂 And isn’t that too true of many people. Sometimes the person who appears to be the most confident is the one with the most fears. I will someday try periscope…maybe. Have really enjoyed your broadcasts. Still checking it out. thanks for this post…gave me food for thought.
Thanks for commenting and promoting this post, Clella. I really do appreciate it and can’t wait to catch up, hopefully at FCWC. would be so much fun to be together again.
Like you, Jean, I’m hesitant and, okay I admit it, fearful of trying out new technology, especially on my phone. I have so few apps, it’s laughable! I am also afraid of heights (in narrow places) and driving on the expressway. However, none of these prevent me from living a full and satisfying life, so I feel very fortunate. Thanks for this great post! Blessings!
good for you for knowing and facing your fears and still laughing and thriving. I know once I realized and named them, they were a little easier to recognize and set aside. ahhh, life lessons!! Hope you have a terrific weekend.