Overcoming Fears

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 20-may-2008 edition

 

Overcoming Fears

By Dr Bill Maier

 

Just because fears are irrational, does not mean they are not real –

at least to the person who has to deal with them.

 

People who struggle with fear often understand how irrational

their worries are, but that does not solve the problem.

 

Some fears fall into the category of phobias, and often it takes

a professional to help work through them.

 

But most fears can be dealt with by simply training ourselves

to think and act differently.

 

Begin by learning to take charge of your feelings. Understand

that feelings can be uncomfortable, but they cannot hurt you.

Although you cannot control your emotions, you can control

how you react to them.

 

Next, learn to recognise your triggers. Steering clear

of stressful situations is often the best way to overcome them.

Many fearful people subconsciously put themselves into

fearful situations.

 

Finally, try to stop playing the “what if” game. Instead, think

affirmative thoughts. Speak and act positively, and your emotions

will learn to follow.