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NewsDay

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How to rise above fear

Opinion & Analysis
Fear often cripples us and stops us from pursuing meaningful relationships or success because we are afraid of failing.

All those who died yesterday had plans for today. Many of those who died this morning had plans for tonight.

No one can manipulate time even with all the money in the world. We should make the most of today instead of procrastinating and assuming we have tomorrow. Knowing that there is no greater illusion than fear we should not let it stop us from soaring to great heights.

The people we remember are those who made things happen. Change can only manifest when we step outside of our comfort zones.

Fear often cripples us and stops us from pursuing meaningful relationships or success because we are afraid of failing. Nothing has a meaning outside of the meaning that we assign to it.

This applies to the emotions we feel as well. Try to dissociate yourself from  any negative feelings from past events to avoid repetitive cycles. “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less,” according to Polish-French physicist and chemist Marie Curie.

The hardest part of the war against fear is the last battle

Do not repress negative emotions, instead acknowledge them and let them pass. When we let go of these negative emotions we loosen the control they may have on our lives and actions. “We are more often frightened than hurt; we suffer more from imagination than from reality,” (Seneca). Life seldom turns out as bad as we expect and oftentimes our fears do not manifest.

Take the time to invest in yourself

If you want to fly, there is already a blueprint. If you want to invest in stock, there is already a blueprint. Unless you are an inventor, it is more likely that someone has already ventured into the field you are pursuing. Take advantage of this by making time to read books, watch YouTube videos and sign up for courses that enrich your knowledge. In the famous words of Vincent van Gough, “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” It is never too late to learn something new, do not let fear stop you from soaring to new heights.

Express gratitude each morning before you do anything

Even two minutes of this will go a long way in shaping the rest of your day. Instead of being afraid of a new experience, be grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow that you will have during the day. This will help dispel any anxiety you may have over the events that occur during your day. Gratitude is the antidote to fear and thankfulness is the cure for worry. On this day rise to being grateful.

Be committed and not just interested

When we are interested in something, we will do it if it is easy. We are more likely to quit once it gets challenging. However, when we are committed, we will see it through even if it gets challenging or scary. Instead of asking yourself if you are good enough, ask yourself if the goal is worth your time and your dedication. When we deem our goals worthy of our time, we commit to achieving them regardless of the obstacles we may face.

Nelson Mandela said: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Fear can be daunting and crippling, but it need not be. When we learn to manage our emotions especially fear and anxiety we take control of our lives.

  • Rutendo Kureya is a medical student at Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Russia. She is passionate about issues concerning the state and welfare of fellow Zimbabweans. She can be reached at  [email protected]Mobile: +7 996 274 98 66 Facebook: Rutendo Kureya. She writes here in her personal capacity.

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