By Del Gibson
IN OUR TROUBLING TIMES, it is not uncommon for one to feel a sense of instability, in terms of the future, or bogged down in the past. It’s fairly normal for one to feel unease, perhaps a certain displacement, if you take a look at what is happening in the world, your feelings are validated. During stressful times when one may feel their world is falling apart, sometimes relationships with others and oneself can be affected. Feelings are real. The danger is real, but fear is an emotion that can be set in worry. Worry and fear are not your friends.
Why is fear dangerous for the soul? If we live in fear, there are a number of things that can happen. Anxiety can set in after a long duration of living in a fearful state. Anxiety can lead to depression. Fear of the unknown is common. We fear what will happen when we walk out the door every day. One might not have the time to think about that gut feeling that keeps one tossing and turning all night. Fear can set off insomnia and sleep deprivation is a real and insidious danger. People can become complacent with their surroundings; this is when accidents occur.
Survival mode. Running on empty. Living like this can cause an internal dilemma, leading to disease, and mental and physical damage. You don’t have to live like this. We create the world we live in. Fear can manifest from our thoughts, beliefs, and ideas about the world, and people around us, and the decisions we make, based on fear, can be hazardous to one's wellbeing. Do not be dragged down into the land of fear. We can’t undo the past, nor can we predict the future. But what we can do is to be in the present moment. That is where all the right choices are made. In the present moment, are we able to learn our life lessons? In the present, we are gifted with choices. Are you making the right choices?
During the years, I have gathered as much information as possible about fear and how it affects the body, mind, and soul. Fear comes from a place of hopelessness, feeling lost and alone. It comes when times are rough and doubt sets in. One might struggle with the concept of change. Change is inevitable. We as individual souls need to find a purpose. It is easy to feel like there is nothing to get up for in the morning. A sort of groundhog day occurs, where one might get up in the morning and it seems like every day is the same, and nothing has changed. That is because people are unwilling to take responsibility for themselves. An attitude adjustment may need to occur in order for one to change their life for the better. Take part in a group, or join an activity where you can be around like-minded people. Take a walk, instead of engrossing oneself in escapism and dangerous thoughts that drag one down. Change is a way of life. In order for one to change, one must be honest with oneself.
For me, I spent years engulfed in fear. Fear eating away and eroding what opportunities were presented to me. I missed the memo that it is okay to feel joy and happiness, instead of living in constant fear. Living in depression kept me from seeing the real beauty in life and what the world has to offer. Basing my decisions on experiences kept my walls up. Inevitably, it would take years to demolish those walls to keep me safe. Safe from what? Fear!
How did I overcome the fear of monsters? Well, I gave it to Jesus. I put my faith in him that whatever my struggles and fears, he will carry me through the rough times. People are good at talking to and venting our problems. But it is merely a band-aid that is temporary until you grasp the concept of fear, and how engrained into the psyche it can become. Through meditation, prayer, and a strong belief that the universe will intervene if you just believe, only then can you overcome the sense of fear. Gather your resources, and place people in your life who can help make your life easier, not harder. Have faith that the surrounding people will help you become the better you. Jesus takes your fears away if you only believe. Fear is not real, but the danger is. Don’t live in fear, your life is precious and you only get one go at it.
Copyright © Gibson, Del 2022
Comments