fear

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How you can change fear into gratitude in these uncertain times

During lockdown in South Africa, things can be scary and the future uncertain.

fear

Image via Canva

Over the next little while, we are starting a series on life principles and will be sharing one every day for the next 10 days. The first life principle is fear.

Hennie Terblanche, a sport and life coach from Stellenbosch, says fear is a choice.

“It’s also an action of faith. When you choose to be scared, to fear something, you already have a picture in your mind of what to expect, even though you don’t see or feel anything physical but you’re convinced of it. Fear usually appears when there’s doubt about tomorrow or the unknown.”

Ask yourself these questions:

• What exactly is fear?
• To what extent is fear part of your life?
• Is fear affecting your life in any way? Does it keep you from doing what you’re supposed to?
• How does fear impact your thoughts, actions, planning and reactions?
• Is there anything you can do to overcome this fear?

Steps and guidance to facing your fears

Terblanche says you must firstly identify and evaluate the thought or feeling you have that is causing this fear.

“Ask yourself if there’s anything you can physically do in order to change the situation. If the answer is yes, do whatever it takes to change your situation. If the answer is no, start working on accepting it. This doesn’t mean you’re allowing the feeling to consume you. Once you accept the thought or the feeling that causes the fear, your mind gets a chance to focus on something else, creating the opportunity for change.”

Paint a positive picture

“Instead of only looking at the negative and creating the worst scenarios, try to paint a more positive picture about the fear or uncertainty in your head. It’s like creating a movie in your mind. Imagine the story with the perfect ending. Imagine the possibilities.”

Stop your mind from wandering

“Your mind will sometimes try to go its own way. When you notice this, gently stop yourself. Try and think of anything positive. Be thankful for what you have or what you stand for. Even though it might be hard or challenging.”

Remember that no scenarios or ideas you have in your head, whether positive or negative, are actually taking place in your life at this moment.

“The things you choose to focus your energy on, will eventually consume you. What we think, we will become.”

When it comes to fear, there is a lot to ponder. Open up to the positive and amazing possibilities. Tomorrow we will discuss life principle two: judgement.

This content has been created as part of our freelancer relief programme. We are supporting journalists and freelance writers impacted by the economic slowdown caused by #lockdownlife.

If you are a freelancer looking for a small fee to contribute to The South African, read more here.

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