Fear is something that can be so subtle in how it creeps into our lives without us even recognizing it. It is also something that we were given to keep us alive and from doing stupid things which can hurt us. Our survival mechanism is the most dominant program running in our brain, and fear makes us aware of situations that we may want to avoid.
However, when we let it rule our lives, it becomes detrimental to our well being. If we are able to observe our thoughts and as a result control our feelings, we can manage most situations that may make us fearful.
There’s a old quote from President Roosevelt that says “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It is so simple, yet so true. When we come to understand that we can control it by being aware of our thoughts and then as a result controlling our feelings, there really isn’t much left to fear, except fear itself.
This is an incredibly clear and insightful post, John. You articulate the delicate balance of fear so well—how it’s an essential survival tool that can all too easily become a prison. The distinction you make is crucial.
Your emphasis on the power of self-observation is the key takeaway. Recognizing that the space between a thought and a feeling is where our true power lies is a life-changing realization. It’s what makes Roosevelt’s quote not just a famous saying, but a practical manual for living. Thank you for this powerful and empowering reminder.
John, I love your message. It is an excellent reminder that the first step is to observe our thoughts, and then we take steps to manage situations like fear. Thank you for sharing.
Boom!! Excellent observation. You summed it up perfectly.