This photo describes fears so well.
I remember in high school, as a runner, being told that fear comes down to not knowing what’s going to happen. On that morning in Maine last summer, as seen in this photo, we couldn’t see the bay– and the Atlantic Ocean beyond it– because of the fog. In fear, we can’t see much in front of us so the anxiety and worry creep in. We begin to wonder a little bit, but then it keeps growing to the point where we are stuck in place. The fear paralyzes us.
Fear grows as we experience more life, as we are told no more often, and as we are hurt either physically or emotionally. I believe that one of the most challenging aspects of life is learning not to let fear disrupt who we want to be and what we want to accomplish.
Understanding the root of fear is the first step to not letting fear win the battle. Once we can identify it, we can acknowledge it. And from there, we must reflect inwardly on the steps we can take to pop that fear bubble.
For me, I know that my creativity is partly how I overcome fear. By creating something, writing something, or sewing something, I’m putting something positive back into the world where the world is trying to take something from me.
I also know that movement is helpful– swimming, running for me. The ways I pop the fear bubble might not be the same for you, however, if you aren’t sure what you need to do, start trying various things. After all, overcoming fear has to start somewhere.