[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]F[/dropcap2]ear has been a companion of mine since early childhood. It skewed my world.
Fear became a strong influencer of my thoughts and a prime motivator of my behavior. I tried to become invisible whenever I could by not calling attention to myself or by withdrawing from the crowds. When that wasn’t possible, I turned into a performing circus animal, trying desperately either to please or prove my right to exist through flawless achievement.
I couldn’t rest. I couldn’t have fun. I was hyper-alert, waiting for the next blow. I was a prisoner.
Fear speaks in many ways.
- “Ah, here’s another day. You can count on me. I’ll be with you every step.”
- “Come on. Get it right. Make sure nothing bad happens. Be prepared. Protect yourself.”
- “You know what can happen if you don’t fix the problems and the people who have them. It might happen again.”
Fear is a natural reflex for many of us who’ve been deeply wounded. It can become one of the major lenses through which we see life. But we don’t have to let fear rule unchallenged.
How can we challenge fear? More on that next time.
