We all have fears. But when we let our fears keep us from living or going after what we want, it keeps us stagnant and depressed. Some of our fears may come from events that happened to us at some point in our life or they may come from the unknown. No matter where they come from or what the fear is, they may be keeping you from being your true self.
We are not born with our fears. They develop over time. Maybe from getting chased by a dog, being abused, or being made fun of by others. Maybe they come from our parent’s own fears projected onto us.
Many of our fears stem form family expectations or external pressures. These fears clash with our sense of who we are inside- our true interests, what we desire and think and everything about us. Both the external fears or pressures and your own ideas of who you are shape your values, choices, decisions and who you think you are.
Our fears are based in our ego (our false self) keeping us disconnected from our true nature. This keeps us in fear and filled with anxiety daily. Bringing your fears to the surface allows you to interpret them through your adult mind and a higher perspective. You will begin to see how irrational they are and how they are keeping you from being your authentic self.
Do you know the fears that are keeping you from being your authentic self?
One way to discover and come to terms with a fear is to journal about it. Journal your fears but take it one step further by looking at what the root cause of the fear is or where the fear comes from.
If the fear you have stems from comparing yourself to others, you need to learn how to stop worrying what others are doing or thinking about you. This keeps you from truly being who you really are.
Name a fear you have successfully overcome already. How did it change your life?
Think about what you do that is a waste of time because you are afraid of the outcome if you do not control it. How can you let go of the fear of the outcome and put your time to better use?
What lies have you told yourself or others have told you that have affected your image. Think of and implement different versions that are true to begin changing your self-image to the one you want it to be.
What fear is keeping you from doing something even know you can do it better than other people? How can you push past this fear, so you are being your authentic self?
Make a 90-day plan to do the things you need to do to overcome a fear you have that is keeping you from being yourself. What steps do you need to take, put into place, and practice daily?
In the end, fear, anxiety, and worry are not your natural state. They keep you from realizing your dreams, being true to who you are and being a washed-out version of yourself.