Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 3a of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Let's explore coping with "Fear". In my opinion, FEAR is the hurdle of all hurdles when it comes to impeding self improvement and personal growth. While it is a feeling you experience NOW, it is mainly one of anxiety and/or expectation of what's going to happen tomorrow, or the tomorrow after tomorrow, "ad infinitum".

Upon sensing the onset of fearful feelings, it is now the time for you to take several deep breaths. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax. Clear your mind. If this fails, go for a walk in the warm sunshine, or the brisk air that accompanies the fall season, or the falling snow, whatever. Notice the beauty of nature that surrounds you, smell the fresh air, and let your thoughts melt away into the environment of your surroundings. That "You are okay right NOW" is all that matters.

Another helpful exercise would be to discuss your anxiety with an understanding partner, [or what about your reflection in the mirror?] and fully describe the situation and the reason it is bothering you. Now you have two options: either use only the words "Quack, Quack, Quack" without any conjunctions or you can describe your problem in a "Donald Duck" type of voice. Try it. This is also works for a distracting response to anger.

Enough for now. Next week, I will define some of the various feelings that are attributed to fear. By recognizing these feelings, we can address our fears by asking ourselves questions pertaining to: "What is causing me to feel this way?" and "Why am I feeling this feeling?"

One closing thought; "You are responsible for your fear and you, alone, are the only person who can change, redefine, or modify it." When each onset of fear occurs; and, if you make the choice to defer, be rest assured, it will stay with you accumulating "ad infinitum".

Take good care until we meet here again