Definition of fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
In today's western society, most of us wrestle with the states of worry on a daily, if not hourly, basis. It's difficult when we have so many issues facing us individually and as a whole: economic crisis and joblessness, wars and threats of war, rising costs of fuel, climate change effects, gmo foods, healthcare costs, political quagmires, etc... we are constantly bombarded with the logos of the day, so it's no wonder can feel overwhelmed at times. How do we "keep the faith" while struggling with the logos* of the day?
I've contended with worry many times in my life, and I find myself at times still being challenged by this pest. Worry is much more about the concern of loss than it is true fear. Worry crops up when there's not enough paycheck and bills are due or when one feels threatened that something will be taken away (a job, a home, food, family, a relationship, etc...). Worry causes us to lose sleep at night, not eat properly, snap at those closest to us, and to stick our heads in the sand while hoping for a miracle.
I remember being taught in one of those business coaching seminars "Action Cures Fear", which is a great statement, but it needs revision.
Worry and Fear are two different entities. Worry is a pest. Worry gets you nowhere. Worry is about things that haven't happened yet. Worry tries to steal your joy and make you lose your self-confidence. Worry is not your friend.
Fear, on the other hand, is your friend. Fear is that prickling on the back of your neck that says, "Don't walk down that alley" or "Something isn't right here- be alert". Fear produces that "fight or flight" response in your autonomic nervous system- a shot of adrenaline that gives us women the strength of seven men, and you men the strength of ten. That's how the 60 year old grandmother can pick up a bus to save her 3 year old grandchild from being crushed to death. It's what enables us to run from danger or stand and fight our ground. Fear wants to save your life and keep you safe. Worry just wants to slowly torture you.
Trust is difficult when we're continually bombarded with negativity. We see a government or governments that do not have the interests of their own citizens at heart, we see our climate rapidly changing with what seems to be no way out, we may be unemployed and no job in sight, we may have health issues that we are concerned we can't afford to fix, we worry that our food supply and drinking water are being contaminated by gmos and fracking and we feel helpless to do anything about these things.
Action cures worry- not fear. Fear will make you act, Worry will paralyze you- if you let it. The trick is not to let it.
But how?
The best course of action to take is to stop worry in his tracks. Ask yourself, "What is the absolute worst thing that could happen in this situation?"
Scenario: You've lost your job and are on unemployment. You keep putting in job applications and you're way overqualified for most of the jobs that are out there. You're not getting any interviews or call-backs. Worry will tell you that unemployment only lasts so long and that you may not be able to pay rent, bills, etc... So, what's the worst thing that could happen in this situation?
You could become homeless, not be employed, living on the streets, etc... but, it's springtime in the northern hemisphere, so it's unlikely you'd freeze to death, and it could be the perfect time to go camping and live in the woods for awhile. It might even be just what you need, to reconnect with nature. All of those societal trappings might just be getting in the way, anyhow. It's not so bad, when you think of it.
The point here is to combat worry with trust and acceptance. Trust that you will find the right course of action and that you, your gods, ancestors, guides, guardians, etc... will work toward the best outcome for you. Trust that you have the answers. Trust that you know what to do, and then take some kind of action.
Perhaps it's time to start your own business. Perhaps the perfect job is just around the corner if you just keep plugging away at it. Perhaps taking a different tack, instead of just putting in applications online, go to the place you'd like to be employed and request to speak to the hiring manager. Mail a card requesting an interview. Do something to get yourself noticed!
Worry doesn't like action. Worry likes to chip away at your self-esteem and erode your self-confidence. Don't give him a chance. Stop him now- engage!
*Logos (Greek for 'word') refers to the internal consistency of the message--the clarity of the claim, the logic of its reasons, and the effectiveness of its supporting evidence. The impact of logos on an audience is sometimes called the argument's logical appeal. (http://courses.durhamtech.edu/perkins/aris.html)