Psychologists say we are born with only 2 fears - that of falling and of loud noises. Therefore, all other fears are created by us. They are man-made or learned.

Napolean Hill in "Think and Grow Rich" talks about 6 basic fears: Fear of poverty, criticism, ill health, old age, death, and loss of love. What are the unreal fears you've made up?

A few months ago I wrote about "awfulizing" - that's when we run our fears over and over in our head. When is my next sale? Will I have enough to pay the rent? Will I lose my friends, my hair, the battle of the bulge? What will they think of me? Will I be good enough? Am I going to get sick like mom or dad did?

What are these fears about?

Fear of the past repeating itself. Fear of anticipated pain.
When in fear, we spend much of our time living in the past or the future. What about the present? No wonder we're not getting much done!

Relax into NOW. How do we relax into now and let go of the destructive grip of fear? First, look at the fear. You've heard "face the fear and do it anyway"? I'm suggesting that you take a good look at the fear and what you think is behind it.

Ask some questions about your fear. What triggers it? Is it based on a past experience? Journal about it to help open your mind to the answers. Once you face it and realize you "made it up", then you can decide to move it aside and focus on Now. If you are truly living in the present, you won't have time to be fearful.

Does fear ever take hold of you? To learn 8 Ways to help Break the CYCLE of FEAR, check out Thought Tips.

Thankful Thoughts,
MaryLou