"F" is for F.E.A.R. - and its Demise

Fear is a strange creature. Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I even dared to believe that it was a good motivator under certain conditions. Yes, it may indeed provoke a person into action, but it'll be short-lived. True motivation is when a person responds from the heart, and long-lasting desired results are achieved. 

Then, a not quite as long so-very-long-time ago, I was taught how to confront fear -- be it mine own or anyone else's. This, I craved. But how scary it seemed to even begin to take it on! 

Actually, it's not nearly as daunting as it first sounded to be. The seed of fear is doubt, which breeds worry, which eventually brings on the fear. It lessens the hair on the beast to break it down.

On the flip-side, the opposite of worry is trust, and the opposite of doubt is confidence. This means it's possible to derail the fear train at either of those two points. Where there is worry, simply build trust; where there is doubt, focus on whatever it takes to get rooted in total, undeniable, confidence.

And to seal the deal and stay focused, there's a nifty acronym that has always kept me from falling off the edge of panic or freezing in my tracks and just going numb. It clarifies and defines fear in such a way that it truly shrinks it down to near bite-size. Perhaps you've heard it before:

F-alse. 
E-vidence. 
A-ppearing. 
R-eal. 

I just look that not-so-hairy tiny creature right in the face in the mirror, and tell it what a big fake it is! I remind it how it wouldn't even hold up in a court of law! Then I just go about my business building the trust and instilling the confidence, until I'm good and saturated. 

Actually... it's sort of fun to get rid of that stuff :~)


~~With that all being said, I can now get ready to head out for the evening with some absolutely wonderful people for the best and most unique tasting pizza -- anywhere -- "F" is for Falbo Brothers' Pizza!  

Meg's She Writer Blogger Ball Redux

...hosted once again by the Author of the best selling novel, The Wednesday Sisters, and approaching the release of her 3rd book on March 22nd, The Four Ms. Bradwells, say "hi!" to Meg Waite Clayton at her blog, 1st Books: Stories of How Writers Get Started, by clicking on the little bookcase:

While you're in that neck of the woods, you may want to look over the posted list of other bloggers at the "Ball Redux," and drop by their sites as well, leaving a comment or two as you pass through.

And for all my fellow She Writes' Bloggers ~ "Hello, and welcome to my pond!" Please, allow me to introduce my lovely koi to you (left to right): Bacall, Shadow, Bogie, Fuego, Azul and Wasabi (the white one in back).

As long as I have your attention, do take a look around. You actually might enjoy reading yesterday's post, "I'm Not Heavy...It's My Heart," or, written a week earlier in a little more humorous vein, "Moose Face!" Let me know what you think and maybe I'll see you around the Ballroom floor :~)