Living Without Fear

We live in an era of limitless possibilities; one where any person can live the life they desire to. And yet, one of life’s sharpest paradoxes remains the fact that your brightest future centers on your ability to overcome your limiting beliefs

At the commencement of each new year, I am frequently asked by many students, “how can I achieve my goals and learn to live a mindful and spiritually fulfilled life?” In other words, they want to learn how they can make lasting changes and find true balance within their lives.

Despite having noble intentions, many individuals live their lives on autopilot; not fully experiencing themselves in the world. And while activities like yoga, exercise, and meditation help, most people find it difficult to remain focused on what’s possible when confronted with the trials and demands of our fast-paced and ever-evolving society.

Take a minute to imagine yourself in a tranquil atmosphere, separated from all the distractions you encounter – then, ask yourself: “What would I do if I were not afraid?”

Of those who succeed in making resolutions, many also fail. However, many fail before they give success a chance, mostly out of fear. Some are afraid of failure, while others are afraid of success. Regardless of the source, fear immobilizes too many and prevents us from achieving what we desire and are capable of.

It is human nature to avoid emotions that scare us. Who wants to walk directly into what promises to be a painful experience? Of all the negative emotions that can reduce your capacity for attracting what you desire, fear is one of the most potent. Are you anxious, stressed, or frightened when you think about everything that could go wrong in life?

We all doubt whether or not we are doing enough, making enough money, or if we are going to be “successful” enough. I know this personally, as I’ve devoted long periods of my life to a continuous state of fear and self-doubt. I questioned my abilities to the point that I was making my decisions based on what others desired of me, not what I aspired for myself.

The good news is that once you face your fears – and give the boogeyman air – rather than shove your fears into a distant compartment of your brain, it begins to lose the ability to rule you and dictate your decisions.

Everyone struggles with uncertainty at some point in their life, even successful people. A little self-doubt is normal and healthy. It prevents a person from crossing that fine line between self-confidence and hubris. However, the difference between normal apprehension and people who live in fear is the fact that a highly successful person does not let self-doubt derail them from what they set out to accomplish.

I look at self-doubt as just a temporary condition.

If you’re contemplating making a big change, I say: do it. The fear won’t kill you, even if it feels like it might because the consequences of not making that leap might be a lifetime of regrets. Really, what’s the worst that can happen?

Remember, transitions can be challenging, but this is your life. Remain committed to the process of self-discovery and be open to exploring your passions in healthy, honest ways. Once you begin to see fear as an opportunity rather than a hindrance, you will create fewer limitations for yourself, and the universe will guide and support you along the way!

Fear holds you back and keeps you focused on the idea of lack, while love fills you with positivity and heightens your energy vibrations in a way that makes your abilities much more powerful.

Here are some things you can start doing immediately if you want to learn how to transform fear into love.

1. Embrace and Master Your Emotions: It’s important to understand that transforming fear into love isn’t about repressing or denying the truth of your feelings.
2. Identify Your Fears: Are there any obstacles in your life that you know you need to confront, but have been avoiding?
3. Demystify Your Fears: Much of fears power comes from the fact that it’s often poorly understood. For example, think about times you’ve experienced crawling unease, a pounding heart, or fear of failure without really having a grasp on exactly what frightens you or why.
4. Give Fear a Shape: Ask yourself what you are most afraid of. What factors contribute to your fear, what triggers it, and what gives it more power over you? In addition, consider the ways in which your fears have been getting in the way of your happiness and success.
5. Don’t forget: your circumstances keep changing all the time! Don’t live in the past. Just because something could not happen last year, doesn’t mean that it won’t happen this year.
6. Visualize Your Dream Life. If not for other people’s judgments and expectations, what would you be doing with your life that you feel inhibited from doing now? Make a list of as many things as you can think of – big or small – that you would do if you weren’t afraid.
7. Break It Down: Once you become consciously aware of your authentic self, you can begin to confront the areas of your life that are not in alignment with your truth.
8. Celebrate Your Milestones: Each time you successfully overcome a meaningful obstacle, take the time to share your accomplishment with others. Plan a small party or social outing – whatever feels appropriate. It is important to celebrate your achievements with the people you love. Not only will celebrating your achievements help to strengthen your support network, but it will also serve as inspiration as you strive to achieve future endeavors.