The following is an excerpt from my book. Learn to embrace fear and develop faith.
“Divorce the Divorce: a 52 Step Journey to Create Unlimited Happiness”
Chapter 9
Embracing Fear
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
-George Addair
What is it that you fear? Being alone? Change? Job loss? Supporting yourself? As you go through a divorce and afterwards, there are many changes you must face, and with change, usually comes fear. There are all sorts of fear: small ones and the large ones that take your breath away. As a life coach, I am not here to analyze why you have certain fears, but I can help you face them.
Fear is usually caused by the unknown. Instead of thinking the unknown is a great adventure, we fear change. Change asks us to let go of what we know. This can be terrifying. It is easier to hold onto what we know, even if we are unhappy. We all have immense power and energy that we can tap into. This power and energy can help you deal with fears and create the amazing life you want. We can get rid of fear by action. Taking action, in small steps. Using action, you are changing the energy from fear to power. I want you to embrace the fear, do not avoid it.
I used to try to avoid the feeling of fear. I just wanted it to go away. My greatest fears were about my financial situation, especially during the times I was underemployed. I would dread looking at the balance in my checking account. The anxiety was so strong, especially in my solar plexus area (located between the naval and the base of the sternum). Gradually, I did the exercise I am suggesting you try, and I would feel more relaxed and have more courage to take action. Of course, it did not change the amount I had in my checking account, but it did help me to take action with a clearer, less emotionally based solution. Many times, when we face our fears, the problem or situation just goes away or disappears.
How many times have you experienced a buildup of fear over something, and that something never occurred? Learn to embrace fear, listen to your inner guidance, and then take action with courage.
“So the next time you encounter fear, consider yourself lucky.
This is where the courage comes in.”
-Pema Chodron
Activity
When you feel fear, sit in a quiet place without interruptions. Take some deep breaths and scan your body for any discomfort. Where are you holding the fear? In your head, your solar plexus, your stomach, or your throat? Spend time taking deep breaths and observe the fear in your body. Embrace the fear and breathe into it. What is the feeling telling you? What steps do you need to take to remove the fear? Do this for several minutes. When you feel comfortable, say a prayer and release the fear into the Universe. Repeat this as often as necessary until this fear is gone.
Next, take one step toward removing the fear. What did your heart tell you when you were embracing the fear? Take an action step, maybe a risk. Use affirmations, inspirational reading, prayer, or music to give you courage and strength to take that step. Little by little, you can tackle your fears, and you will realize the enormous amount of power that you have to create the awesome life you want.
Journal Assignment
List five options for how you could overcome this fear.
Write about another time you faced a fear and beat it. How did you do it?
Mid-Week Delight
Write down ten things you are grateful for.
