Does the Fear Ever Go Away?

I’ve struggled all my life with fear and anxiety. When I was younger I felt like I was the only one. I was sure that I suffered alone, but now I know that was never true. I know that other people, even people I admire, people who seem so brave and strong, feel fear sometime.

I love to travel and when I was younger I took every opportunity available to go to a far off land. Once someone asked me how I was able to travel as much as I have when I feel as much fear and anxiety as I do. I told them that I feel fear so often in my life that she has become an old friend. We have slumber parties and braid each other’s hair. She knows all of my secrets and vulnerable places. I can judge my life by fear. When she goes away I know I’m doing something wrong.

When she sits next to me as I press publish on a blog post, when she stands beside me as I speak before a group of people, then I know I’m doing something right. It’s that discomfort that will pull me into the next thing and the next. It’s that discomfort that will help me get better.

Fear doesn’t go away. She may lessen with time. She may hide herself in another dark corner and wait to be discovered. She’s always just over there, whether that be a few yards or a few inches away. It’s up to you to decide what you will do with her.

Do you want to leave her alone because that pounding in your chest and that feeling in your stomach are too much? Do you want to run away, hide, cover your eyes, and try to forget she ever existed? You can do that if you like, but you’ll find that the more you do that the more places she’ll show up. She’s looking for you. She’s waiting. She’s lonely. She needs all of the friends she can find.

If you let her she’ll burrow her way deep into your heart making it difficult for you to feel most anything else. She’ll take up all of your time and your thoughts.

Can you overcome your fears? Of course you can, but she will never leave you completely. What if I told you that fearlessness doesn’t exist? This world is full of opposites. We are beings bathing in contradictions and dualities. If you are never afraid can you ever be truly courageous?

If you are waiting for the fear to go away before you act, don’t. You’ll be waiting forever. She will only distance her from you once you start acting. You’ll never be completely ready. There is no right time. The right time is now. Move into your fear. Breathe into it. Feel the pounding of your heart. Sweat and let the discomfort wash over you. You’ll make it out on the other side and realize how rewarding stepping into your fears can be.

Does fear ever go away?

The short answer is no. There will always be something that makes your palms sweat and your heart thump, but you can learn to make her your friend. Use her to mark your progress, to judge your growth. When you learn to live with her, to walk with her by your side you’ll know that you are truly reaching toward greatness.

Do you have your copy of For the Dreamers: A Manifesto yet? If not click the link below to get your free copy and start making your dreams come true.

For the Dreamers: A Manifesto