The “F” word: FEAR. It can show up anywhere, unexpectedly, and uninvited. At dinner parties,  on a stroll through the woods, in airplanes, or on cruises. If we’re lucky, it doesn’t turn into a full  blown panic attack…just mild gas and indigestion, which can pose a problem at dinner parties  and on airplanes, unless you’re a skydiver. 

But what’s the point of fear. I mean, is it really necessary? We’ve all heard about cave people  days when experiencing fear meant intelligence. We learned to be fearful of animals that towered  over us and had sharp teeth. You see a lion, you size it up, you determine, ok…I should be  fearful. Run! Or play dead? I’m not sure which, and I hope I never have to find out! 

Yes. Fear is our friend. But not in all occasions. Discerning the difference is where we have  evolved to, we hope. For instance, most people fear public speaking, but likely wouldn’t die  from giving a TED talk, unless the audience was full of wild animals on the loose, although that  could be said of some human audiences. The fear, then, stems not from physical harm, but  emotional harm, such as the fear of public humiliation. But, thank goodness some folks don’t let  that stop them. 

If you’re facing something in your life right now that causes fear to rise up in your belly, try to  think of other fears you have overcome: 

∙ Monsters under your bed 

∙ Riding a two-wheeler 

∙ Learning to swim 

∙ Driving a car 

You overcame these fears because you had the passion to do so. You believed in yourself. You  thought, if they can do, I can do it. 

When you think of what you’re afraid to do, and you realize that the outcome is more important  than your fear, you will overcome it. After all, F.E.A.R. simply stands for False Evidence  Appearing Real.