FEAR: - Navigating The Shadows-Be Bold in Our Dreams for Life is Short. To Know FEAR is to Face FEAR

By Nougye Mutungi Mukoma

Your thoughts are welcomed with me in blog. Today, I make a Thursday appearance and navigate a common feeling of which you may relate within your everyday lives known as, FEAR!

We live in a world where we mostly live our fears and bury our dreams. It might seem like a heavy thing to say, but if you look around you, you will realize the same. But….we can change the narrative together. And remember, knowledge is the key and king, but not without action. So, for every blog you read, be certain to take action within your own life through gained insights. As important is repetition.

Now, let’s dig into FEAR.

What Is Fear?

I am certainly no stranger to this word. As a matter of fact, great anxiety and fear presented themselves at the very start of my blog journey. I wondered what people would think, especially those who knew me. I wondered whether they would welcome intentions of sharing thoughts of mental transformation and insights.

Eventually, though, I simply decided to hit publish… after quite a few minutes of terror and fear of self-isolation.

Now can you relate?

You see, our “nature” and our lived persona are in constant need of acceptance from other people. This is a survival mechanism to keep us within the good graces of others, even when it means not living our dreams for fear of rejection.

I once heard a really great description of fear… false evidence appearing real. But we all know that fear feels very real. In fact, it manifests in us as physical symptoms. The heart starts pounding, the chest feels tight, there might be shortness of breath, sweating, and so on. Suffice it to say that fear is in movement with our thoughts, bodies, and bodily chemicals.

Fear And Comparison

We don’t often realize it, but comparing ourselves to others also brings us fear. We constantly live within the mirror of other people, which means our unique quality of self is not appreciated. Rather, it is compared to others, again, for the preservation of the ego… what I have called the persona.

This is almost inevitable because the structure of our continuous growth and learning within this world is achieved mostly through comparison. We learn to compare and compete against others at home, in school, at work, and among peers. Is it a wonder that we have trouble with perceived fear in our lives? I mean, we are instilled, from our childhood, the feeling that everything is a competition and we need to constantly outperform and be the best. In reality your only true barometer is yourself. A healthy dose of competition does keep one motivated, but becomes destructive when it only becomes the means to a goal.

I do hope that in this age of information, we may start to simply gather and appreciate our unique quality and that we have much to share without comparison.

Fear - The Destroyer of Dreams

To do justice to our dreams, it’s important to first better understand fear. This Earth is certainly an experience and for good, bad, or indifferent, it is worth living. The experience of fear is part of us and should be taken seriously for reasons where warranted.

But let’s not be imprisoned by fear and aim high… higher than even our own expectations. The cemetery is filled with unfulfilled dreams where one could’ve, would’ve, or should’ve. Don’t let that happen to you. Believe and live your dreams, even if that means doing it with fear.

And sometimes, if you feel too afraid, find a compelling reason to push forward. It’s called your “why.” Mine are my parents, my family, and humanity. So, I do it afraid. What is your why? And what will you, do, afraid?

How To Deal With Fear - Some Critical Steps

1) Fear is innately a part of our existence. It keeps us ready in the face of actual threats within our environment. Therefore, understanding fear is the obvious first step.

2) Second, you need to realize that fear moves throughout our bodies, hence the intense feeling of mind and body feeling paralyzed. When fear emerges, chemicals like cortisol, adrenaline, stress response of the HPA axis, etc are released in the body. It’s because of these that you get the physical symptoms of fear. During such moments, you need to turn to breathing exercises, meditation, and focus on relaxation. You need to also realize that some things are out of your control. So, prepare, pray, do whatever is possible in true fear and for what you cannot do, leave to the God of your belief.

3) Another important area to focus on (in general) is healthy eating. If you give your body nutritious food, it will be much more resilient. Also, make sure you get enough sleep and relaxation every day. It helps you rejuvenate. And in the pursuit of your dreams and goals, remember that it is okay to feel fear. Keep pushing through despite the fear and eventually, it will be minimized, tolerable, or even perhaps non-existent.

4) In order to deal with fear, it is extremely crucial to practice self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and forgiving other people. Also, be in a state of gratitude as much as possible. Do not compare yourself with those around you. Just be content with what you have and aim for a higher purpose.

5) Finally, learn to take control of your environment for thoughts imposed. Listen to positive people who encourage your dreams. After all, even when you make an error, they are there to support the continuity of your dreams. Also, move your body, even when your stomach may rumble with self-doubt.

And if anything in your life is worth doing, I have recently heard the best message which is, DO IT AFRAID! In fact, I will reread this blog from time to time and continue my forward movement… afraid but still marching. We must still do in repetition what we know is best.

Don’t let anything stop you. Thank you again for reading my blog. Please share, like, subscribe and comment. I appreciate your time.

Blessings,

Nougye