Facing your fears can be challenging, uncomfortable, and freeing.
Only recently have I learned of National Face Your Fears Day which is recognized on the second Tuesday each year. Some give credit of the creation of National Face Your Fears Day to public speaker Steve Hughes, who reportedly founded the day in October 2007, but the history surrounding the day is uncertain. Today is the day!
I am an Enneagram Three and an expert in shoving my feelings, especially the hard ones, deep to the back of my imaginary shelf, never to be touched again. This skill came in very handy as I worked as an RN or managing kids as a mother. But in the long run, avoiding and ignoring emotions is not healthy.
I remember saying in my younger days: I don’t have fears; I have anxiety. I also believed emotions were “foolers,” not to be trusted. Man, was I wrong. Fear does have its place.
Fear is a primal emotion we all experience.
Fear is present for all of us. Its job is to safeguard us – that is ok. Fear shows up suddenly, uninvited as a protective mechanism and is an initial reaction. Fear is involuntary, meaning that it happens without conscious thought. But just because it’s an automatic response, doesn’t mean we should allow our emotions to control us.
Fear may be my first involuntary reaction but what comes next – my response is more under my control. I can choose how to continue. I may not be able to change the circumstances, but I can change my attitude. I have learned fear likes to stay around lurking in the background, stirring up my anxiety, but I can more forward knowing I am a child of God and God is in charge.
Jon Acuff advises the fear makes a very poor CEO. I like to imagine fear will come along for the ride, but my rule is never to allow fear in the driver’s seat.
I make some very poor decisions from a place of fear. I have been struggling with a decision lately. I realized my indecision rose from fear for either direction I took. No wonder I couldn’t decide. Once I named that obstacle, the answer became clearer. My breathing slowed down and I melted into the arms of Grace. Faith, not fear.
I am slowly making progress in learning how to face my fears. Maybe this is a good day to celebrate that!
What do you think of facing your fears? Any tips?
P.S. I recently faced my fears and began to publicize my upcoming new book. I get shy when it comes to self-promotion and asking for others to purchase and review my writing. But here is the news; Sacred Surroundings – Finding Grace in Every Place will be released on Amazon on Oct 31. You can preorder now. Thanks for your support!
Such great wisdom here, Jean (as always). I’ve dealt with fear all my life. I’ve had to learn this too on many occasions: “I like to imagine fear will come along for the ride, but my rule is never to allow fear in the driver’s seat.” I still haven’t made friends with fear but the older I get, the more I have to tell fear what I’m going to do, with or without it. It still likes to tag along wherever I go, but as long as it doesn’t preempt the drive, I can live with it. 🙂
Glad you recognize fear all your life – i denied it for a long time and am just not befriending it. Not the best friend but she has some good qualities and does like to tag along!
You can count on my order too, Jean! I own at least four of your books–looking forward to reading this latest publication! As for fear, I’m SO grateful God is always ready to help (Psalm 46:1)! When a crisis occurs and my heart pounds in my chest, I’m often at a loss for what to do. Sometimes all I can do is whisper “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” Though rescue may not be immediate, God has NEVER failed to come through (though maybe not in the way I expected). / Back in 2016, YOU, dear friend, shared this on FB: “On particularly rough days, when I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through rough days so far is 100%.” I’d say that holds true for fearful times as well! It’s a good truth to remember.
Thanks Nancy. Scripture is so powerful when confronting fear. I remember that quote you mentioned too – what a good reminder and I know I really needed to hear that when I wrote that that day. yes hold lots of truth.
I have not considered myself a brave person. I have been (am) fearful of a number of things, especially physical risks, but my mother once said to me, “Nancy, you are such a brave person.” When I asked why she thought that she told me she admired me for being able to speak in public and for taking on various leadership roles. I never considered that being brave, but I guess what fears are specific to the individual. Her view of me as a brave person has helped me confront other fears in my life.
Hi Nancy, thanks for commenting today. Amazing how we look brave while quivering on the inside, isn’t it? Like me denying fear for so long and finding it a lifelong companion. One that hangs around much more than I realized.
thank you jean….major yay abt your new book!!!!!!…ill be scooping that up asap!!!…as far as fear goes..its been a persistent lifetime barnacle..ive read most of gary zimaks books on worry..fear and anxiety..all helps from the Lord..better than i used to be but its still a major menace to be addressed…peace of the Lord..
Thanks Pat. Yes fear is a menace – great word to describe it!!
I will certainly order your latest book on Amazon, Jean. Kudos to you!
Blessings!
Thanks for your love and support, Martha!