Changing Fear into ExcitementWritten by Ted Schredd
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If you say no to snorkeling in ocean because you’re scared of sharks or sea monsters, you’re one who loses. You will never see magic of underwater world. Yes, there is that chance that a water monster might go for a snack while you’re splashing around, but chances are so slim. You have a better chance of being hit by lightning or winning an Olympic gold medal. Thousands if not millions of people have been in ocean and survived. Why would you be singled out for tragedy? You will never be able to remove every potential danger, but you can diminish threat by following golden rule of adventure: safety first. If there’s a way to lower risk factor, do it. If there’s protective gear, wear it. If there’s a need for common sense, then use it. Take proper steps to ensure your safety. Do you need a life jacket, a helmet or special training before you try this activity? What about learning from a professional? Yes, every year, a few people die while they’re out having fun, but often that’s because they haven’t been smart about safety precautions. So be smart. Dying because of stupidity makes you stupid and dead. And being both dead AND stupid is definitely embarrassing. Avoid at all costs. Let’s say you want to go kayaking. Kayaking is a much more enjoyable experience if you know how to swim and how to self-rescue. Learning to minimize danger of any activity will help you face world. The more you understand something, less you will fear it. The more people you meet who are doing that activity, more confidence you’ll have in saying, “They’re no better than me-I can do this!” You may find that this activity you’ve perceived as treacherous isn’t that dangerous after all. So you’ve gained some knowledge and you’ve made arrangements for a safe experience, but you’re still too scared to get on roller coaster or get out on dance floor. Then turn your fear into excitement. Feel fear and do it anyway. Be thankful that you have this highly tuned system that recognizes danger and lets your senses sharpen. Let it send tingles to tips of your toes and enjoy burst of energy. Fear will multiply your excitement sensations. You may be scared now, but when you come out other side, you will feel fantastic, confident, proud and reliving your wonderful adventure. Another positive twist on being scared is that more scared you are, more intense your pleasure will be during and after your fun activity. Most of your fears are imagined and should be treated as imaginary. Learn to distinguish fears that are valid and those that are not. The next time you feel scared, challenge your fear and thing you fear will disappear. Ask yourself, “What would I do if I wasn’t feeling fear?” then act accordingly. When you confront your fears, astonishing things will happen. Remember you are master and you are in control. Each time you challenge your fears, you add another brick to a solid foundation for happiness. Each tiny little fear that you face and conquer will give you courage against all your other fears. If you’re unable to take control of your fears or have some kind of panic disorder, go and seek professional help. Moving past unreasonable fears will give you astonishing amounts of self-respect, confidence and satisfaction. Use courage and knowledge to assist you in your journey. If there is a fun activity that you want to try but are afraid, make a plan to conquer your fears. Investigate it, take some lessons, learn what you can, turn your fear into excitement, pretend to be brave and then go for it. Who runs your life, unfounded fears or wonderful you?
Ted Schredd has been a fun researcher for fifteen years. He has been featured on radio, television, and print articles across Canada. This article is an excerpt from his latest book “Gramma Knows the F Word” How adults can discover more fun in their lives. His books are available at www.Amazon.com or www.discoverfun.com
| | Choose To Be HappyWritten by Selena Richardson
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What about those who irritate us or make us mad? We have power of choice but most times we react out of anger. Instead of taking a mental time out and knowing that what that person said is about them we unconsciously choose to react. The reaction is usually out of anger or fear. It's a re-action, not an action. How do we stop this behavior? We need to keep our feelings in check and not react automatically to what is thrown at us. We need to think our actions out instead of just reacting to what someone says or does. Reacting is responding to someone else's actions. What we need to do is act on our own accord and not let actions of others influence us. By doing that we stay conscious of our own thoughts and feelings and not let what others do to us affect our moods. Remember that we can always choose happiness. At first it will be difficult to just switch your thoughts and feelings from anger, self-doubt, or fear to joy and happiness. But it is only a thought away. Don't dwell on what happens to you unnecessarily but realize what is causing you to feel that way. Realize that thoughts, feelings and emotions can change. Then move on and choose to be happy.
Selena Richardson, coach and editor of Creative Possibilities, a free newsletter helping people focus on and reach their goals. Are you ready to create your journey in life? To subscribe, mailto:subscribe@creationjourneys.com or visit the site - http://www.creationjourneys.com for more information on her upcoming courses and on-going workshops.
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