Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the overcoming.
Fear is usually something that happens when we get too far into the future. Most of the time, we’re doing all right in the present tense. But, something happens and we spin it out into the future. We imagine “worst case scenarios,” picturing all that could go wrong rather than what could go right. Because we are painting the negative so boldly, our emotions adjust, our bodies tighten, we become frightened.
It usually does not have to do with life-death situations. Rather, they’re more like, “How do I talk to my husband about…?” “Will I be a good mom?” “Should I try this new marketing plan?”
If fear seems to have a grip on you — and it’s holding you back from doing something you feel would be good for you (or others) — slow yourself down. Look at your surroundings right now. Take a deep breath and picture a different outcome.
If you’re still afraid, move forward anyway. Get some support. Go slowly. But don’t just stay in the “fear place.”
Said Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” (Would he have been alive today, I’m sure he would have also said women.)
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