Are You Defined by Anxiety?

Fear and Anxiety. Powerful words, powerful emotions.

Everyone has experienced the effects of fear in their life. Fear, big and small, can leave us feeling paralyzed, helpless, and powerless. No one wants to live a life defined by fear. Yet in this world of wars, violence, heartache, pain, fear, and anxiety must be confronted on a regular basis. When we fail to challenge the effects of fear in our life, we start to see our present and future shaped by the choices we make- choices to avoid the things we fear most in life.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” These are discerning words from a man who took on racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Mandela saw firsthand what is created when choices are made, again and again, out of fear and anxiety. 

Choices made out of fear maintain that which we fear the most.

We make decisions every day that maintain our fear and anxiety. Usually, in the name of “safety.” We may call this wisdom or taking precautions, but the reality is that we are often simply avoiding the potential for pain. We are using avoiding, defending, and criticizing to keep ourselves “safe” in our identity and in our relationships. When decisions about identity, purpose, and relationships are made from the place of fear and anxiety, the result is usually destructive. Over time, decisions made out of fear result in loss of relationships, less joy, less hope, and MORE ANXIETY than before. The cycle needs to stop. 

So, what is the key to stopping the cycle and refusing to be defined by fear?

Taking risks that challenge our stagnation.

Safe and purposeful exposure to our fear and anxiety is a primary tool for overcoming it. When we take risks, we often find that our greatest fears do not happen and we gain a greater sense of control. Fear tells us to avoid, defend, and distance ourselves resulting in missing out on many great things in life. 

It is far better to pursue what we hope for because it is better to risk and fail than it is to remain a slave to our fear.

So, do you want to live from a place of courage? Start by identifying the things you hope for and what is holding you back. Learning what is fueling fear and anxiety is the first step in finding hope and courage. If you would like help in your journey to begin seeing a therapist in Redding, California and overcoming fear and anxiety, then please reach out today.