Fear is such a clever antagonist, that it took me awhile to even figure out who I was up against. I have not felt like myself for the last two weeks or so. I have generously offered myself grace as it is a pandemic, and these are not exactly normal times. My emotions have spanned a wide range and my state of being seemed all over the place. I initially thought my “off feeling” was melancholy induced by the realization that summer had officially abandoned me, yet again. My summer glow is a distant memory at this point. Then I thought I might be off balance because of grief, as it was this time two years ago that I lost someone very dear to me. My next thought was that I was experiencing low grade depression, like what Michelle Obama referenced in her podcast. The longer I tried to claim these as my truth, the less honest they felt for me.
I am going through a period of transition, and my mind is consumed with potential outcomes, most of which do not end in my favor. As my mind cycled through negative thoughts, the truth of what plagued me, clearly appeared. My adversary is fear. I am afraid of being disappointed again. I am afraid of losing. I am afraid of failing.
Fear is always waiting around the corner, hoping to scare you out of believing in yourself, and pursuing your goals. Fear is what stops you from taking action. The same fears I am currently facing…fear of failure…fear of rejection…fear of losing…fear of making the wrong decision…fear of not being good enough. Life is not just about overcoming fear. Living entails taking action DESPITE fear. Do not allow fear to stop your progress.
As I work toward conquering my fears, here are four truths about you that I wanted to share, to help you avoid the paralysis of fear. If you are also struggling in the midst of uncertainty and transition, join me this week in using these truths as daily affirmations.
1. I AM CAPABLE
I can do what needs to be done. I am able to do the work required to accomplish my goal. I have the endurance and determination needed to meet and exceed my expectations.
2. I AM GOOD ENOUGH
I am enough. I am everything. I am the missing link. I am the only person that offers what I uniquely offer, because I am the only person that is me. I am the secret ingredient that is needed to complete the recipe.
3. I AM RESOURCEFUL
I will find a way around any wall that I cannot break through. I am flexible and adaptable. I find ways to overcome obstacles. I will engage resources to help me if I need them.
4. I AM RESILIENT
I am still here. I survived. I learn from challenges and obstacles. I am not easily broken. My mistakes and failures are tools to advance me.