I'm Facing my Own Fears: Fact or Fiction?

Copyright (c) 2010 Dawn McIntyre

Isn't it so much easier to live life ignoring our fears, hurts and hang-ups? Sometimes, stuffing a fear or hurt down deep inside our heart and mind seems to be a quick and oh-so-simple solution to the turmoil it would otherwise stir up within ourselves. Why lose composure over something and appear helpless and out of control, when we can easily fool others into believing that we have our act together and our life in order? Worse, to what lengths will we go to trick our own self into thinking that we are impenetrable from life's trouble and tribulation? The truth is, we can either hide from our own fears, or we can choose the hard road of facing those fears head on, to reach the healing destination of working through the fearful emotions and wrestling free from the bondage of the lies hidden within those fears.

Let's back up and unpack this a little. Consider a woman who may have a desire to break free from a particular relationship that she feels may be controlling, yet she is afraid of that person's response to her sudden sense of independence. This could be a friendship, a romantic relationship, or a family member, but we women are particularly vulnerable to the fear of losing a relationship with someone we love - so let's imagine. This woman might have never learned to set healthy boundaries with other people before, and she is in the habit of placing the interests of others before her own - beyond selflessly serving the needs of others in a way that is fulfilling and life-giving. She allows her fear of losing relationships to supersede her deep-hearted longings and beliefs that are perhaps not in synch with that other individual's thoughts and opinions. So, she foregoes voicing her true desires for the more satisfying feeling of agreeing with and maintaining harmony with those around her. She might not speak up when she would rather see a different movie, or perhaps she won't correct a friend for always interrupting her in conversation. Maybe, even though she desires to start a coffee shop, she instead, goes to medical or law school to please the desires of her parents. Sounds more comfortable, right? And more lifeless.

There are so many additional examples of fears that hold us back: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment. Part of the beauty of life is that we all have fears. It's a human condition and one aspect of life that ties people together across differences in background, upbringing, race, age wage and creed. How is this beautiful, you ask? Because rather than living in a perfect movie script or happy-ending storybook, we have the opportunity to develop our full potential by breaking through these fear barriers and becoming great achievers.

More importantly, we have the chance to develop deep and fulfilling relationships with others by being honest about our pain and working through the healing process together. We can trust in knowing that our Creator God made us for deep relationship with others, and only He can bring glory out of something painful. Fears can actually drive us to build strength in our hearts, and understand the difficult path that others take to overcome challenges - because we have been down that same rocky road before them. This is what a relationship based on love - rather than fear - looks like.

By recognizing and then acknowledging our inner fears (rather than ignoring them), we can take the first steps towards acting in the face of fears. When you know that you are moving toward something that is good and meaningful, but your fear is standing in your way, then you have an honorable reason to take courage and push through that obstacle. Give yourself permission to excuse the fear that is attempting to hold you back from your full potential and go positively impact the world around you!


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Dawn McIntyre, Professional Spiritual Intuitive, is an expert in leading men and women into higher states of expansion and beauty consciousness. Join her on the Boldly Beautiful exclusive member's community at http://www.boldlybeautiful.com for daily interaction and guidance in manifesting your beautiful life, from the inside out.