This is optimal living daily episode 1300. Stop punching fear in the face and what to do instead. I'm still on George of spirituallivingforbusypeople.com and I'm just a molecule or personal narrator, the guy that reads to you every single day of the year from some of the best blogs in the world, all for free and with permission from the authors. Today's article goes from still on George, which reminds me Spotify has recently started podcast playlists showing up in my Spotify app, but not everyone's yet from what I understand.
But it's a really cool idea. They have some curated playlists from different podcasts covering different subjects and they created one called Walk and Talk and actually picked an episode that I have from today's author as the one to feature, which is really exciting. There are only 10 podcasts in that Walk and Talk Spotify playlist, so to be featured there was really exciting. Definitely check that out if you're on Spotify, and if you can see those podcast playlists, if you can't you should be able to soon.
For now let's get right to it as we optimize your life. In areas you can reasonably expect your fears to come true. Irrational fears are much more challenging to deal with because in many cases there's a chance they may happen, it's just less likely they will. For instance, if your child didn't get into an Ivy League school, you may fear that they may end up destitute on the street.
Or if you don't trust a certain way, if you're no one will ask you out. These things can happen, but it's more likely that many other factors would have contributed to the result. Rational fears clearly keep us out of danger and are easy to befriend. Irrational fears are more difficult to befriend.
But these fears are trying to help us too and it is possible to befriend them even if we choose not to accept them. So let's focus on these fears. How do you learn to befriend them? Number one, recognize that you are in fear mode almost all the time.
Begin to entertain the notion that you are driven by your fears. Acknowledging this alone can free you to be exploring your fears. What was the last decision you made? Why did you make it?
Was there a real fear-based reason for the decision you made? Number two, let your fear speak. Continuing with the idea of treating your fear as a person you love and respect instead of actively trying to silence your fear, let it speak, let it have its say. I learned a strategy from April Hadley who was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert and author of Big Magic.
Gilbert shared what she wrote on her Facebook page. Hadley wrote, quote, start with your fear, ask it what it wants, what it doesn't want, and why it's so desperately holding you back from what your creativity and your courage might be asking you to attempt. Let your fear speak, let it write you a letter, read the letter with open-minded and open-hearted affection, and then write back to your fear with love and kindness and respectfully explain your new plan. Your fear should always be allowed to have a voice, and a seat in the vehicle of your life, but whatever you do, don't let your fear drive." End quote.
This is a powerful way to interact with your fear, listen to your fear, respond with kindness and respect, you'll disarm your fear, and feel it's grip, loosen. Number three, don't go it alone. In some cases, it may not be a good idea to face your fears alone, especially if they involve past trauma. If you're terrified of driving because you weren't a major accident, seeking professional help can make a big difference.
Oftentimes, just talking with someone who has gone through a similar experience can help you feel less isolated. With the love and support of others, you'll be more motivated to courageously face your fears. Don't make fear your enemy. Fear is a formidable foe, but only if you treat it like your enemy.
If you've tried this, and hasn't worked for you, you have nothing to lose by trying to befriend it. You may be surprised to find a friend on the other side of your greatest fears. When you do, you'll be poised to experience your greatest breakthroughs. You just listen to the post titled, Stop Punching Fear in the Face, and What to Do Instead by Sinlon George of Spiritual Living for BusyPeople.com.
We'll leave it there for today. Have a very happy Wednesday if you're listening in real time, and I'll be back for the Fourth of July show tomorrow, where your optimal life awaits.