FEAR
Bob Rill, Chaplain
“Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.” Author Unknown
Emotions play a huge part in our everyday lives. The emotional reaction of fear is actually programed into our DNA. Studies conducted primarily in men found that there are generally one of two responses to a fearful event – fight or flight. (It has been discovered that women have a larger repertoire when it comes to handling fear.)
We’ve all had that sinking feeling that fear generates, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, increased sweating, dilation of the pupils, and either a sharpening or paralyzing of our senses. There is an acronym that is most often used for fear, False Evidence Appearing Real, meaning that what we fear is some future event that doesn’t have any impact on you in the here and now.
Fight or Flight
While there are numerous triggers that raise this emotion in each of us, unless you are being chased by a grizzly bear looking for a quick snack, the threat is not likely real. So, what determines our decision as to whether we fight or take flight for all of those not life threatening events?
I believe it is the value you place on the event or situation that determines your response. Remember the first time you rode a bike, trying to balance on two wheels? It seemed like an impossible task! Your front wheel dodged and swerved as you attempted to keep your balance. You may have even crashed and skinned your knee badly, but somehow you gathered up the courage to get back on the bike and keep at it. Within a few days, you were riding down the street proudly on the seat hollering “Look Mom, no hands!”
If we choose not to confront our fear, we’ll surely find an excuse to validate our position. I’m all too familiar with my excuses, but only you can determine what your excuses are. I am told an excuse is a thin skin reason filled with a lie. The worst thing you can do in life is not to tell yourself the truth. Fear can be conquered. Only you can do it for yourself. Are you worth the price?
You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.” Dale Carnegie (FB)
Bob Rill, Chaplain
“Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.” Author Unknown
Emotions play a huge part in our everyday lives. The emotional reaction of fear is actually programed into our DNA. Studies conducted primarily in men found that there are generally one of two responses to a fearful event – fight or flight. (It has been discovered that women have a larger repertoire when it comes to handling fear.)
We’ve all had that sinking feeling that fear generates, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, increased sweating, dilation of the pupils, and either a sharpening or paralyzing of our senses. There is an acronym that is most often used for fear, False Evidence Appearing Real, meaning that what we fear is some future event that doesn’t have any impact on you in the here and now.
Fight or Flight
While there are numerous triggers that raise this emotion in each of us, unless you are being chased by a grizzly bear looking for a quick snack, the threat is not likely real. So, what determines our decision as to whether we fight or take flight for all of those not life threatening events?
I believe it is the value you place on the event or situation that determines your response. Remember the first time you rode a bike, trying to balance on two wheels? It seemed like an impossible task! Your front wheel dodged and swerved as you attempted to keep your balance. You may have even crashed and skinned your knee badly, but somehow you gathered up the courage to get back on the bike and keep at it. Within a few days, you were riding down the street proudly on the seat hollering “Look Mom, no hands!”
If we choose not to confront our fear, we’ll surely find an excuse to validate our position. I’m all too familiar with my excuses, but only you can determine what your excuses are. I am told an excuse is a thin skin reason filled with a lie. The worst thing you can do in life is not to tell yourself the truth. Fear can be conquered. Only you can do it for yourself. Are you worth the price?
You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.” Dale Carnegie (FB)
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