Is fear interfering with your dreams, hopes and desires? Is it blocking you from fully enjoying your life? I know how you feel because I’ve felt that way many times before.

My Fear of Dogs

When I was a little girl, I was petrified around dogs. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I overcame that massive fear. Since then, I have had the pleasure and privilege of being mommy to 2 loveable dogs. And the joy I’ve received as a result is immeasurable (as any dog lover knows).

My Fear of Driving

When I first got my driver’s license, I was scared to drive on the highway. Years later, we moved and I had to drive on the highway to transport my car to the new home. That’s when I finally conquered that fear. Now I can’t imagine not having the freedom to jump on the highway to go see friends and family or catch a concert in the city.

“Do the thing you are afraid to do and the death of fear is certain.”

-Emerson

What Is Fear?

Fear is a natural and instinctive response to a perceived threat. While it can protect us from real danger, irrational fear just keeps us stuck. Fearful thoughts are like a leash on an energetic dog – it holds you back from doing the things you really want to do.

Fears are like this big bubble that blocks the path. But like a soap bubble, it can dissolve almost instantly. And everything can shift.

Fear is just an emotion that came from a thought – and a thought can be changed. Many fears develop during childhood and get imprinted on the subconscious mind. These thoughts run like a program in the background, controlling our lives without us consciously realizing it. 

My Top 5 Techniques to Conquer Fear

There are several techniques that can help you manage your fears:

1. Face your fear gradually. When I was afraid of dogs, my friend exposed me to her golden retriever, in small increments. I began from clear across the room, and each time I went to visit, I inched a little closer to her dog. She was always nearby to encourage me and give me a sense of safety. I faced my fear little by little, until one triumphant day, I got close enough to pet Sasha.
2. Reduce the stress. Fear can trigger a physical response (flight, fight or freeze). This elevates our stress and anxiety. Meditation, yoga, walking and other relaxation techniques can calm the mind and reduce the intensity of the fear response. I used deep breathing every time I sat behind the wheel on the highway. (This naturally calms your nervous system, signalling to your brain that everything is okay.) Eventually, I became confident that I could do it and the terror dissolved.
3. Mind your thoughts. Practice letting go of any fearful or negative thoughts that enter your mind. Just reject them. (I like to smile and say ‘thank you for sharing but you have no power here’. )They will keep trying to take up space in your mind. Keep letting them go. It just takes a little practice.
4. Change your story. Fears are based on our individual perceptions, which are based on our histories and our imaginations. This is why some people fear dogs and others find comfort around them. To release our fear, we must change our perceptions. 
5. Seek support. Talk with someone you trust, like supportive friends, family members or a coach. You can also seek assistance from techniques such as EFT (tapping), NLP or hypnotherapy to help you release negative emotions and shift limiting beliefs.

Fears are part of life, and although we can’t eliminate them completely, we can reduce their charge. This allows us to act even when we are afraid. And that’s all we need to do to continue moving closer to our dreams and desires. Imagine what you could accomplish if you were able to move past your fears?