How to Face Irrational Fears and Stop Them from Keeping Your Life Small

Fear is primal. It protects us from genuinely harmful events, people, and potential outcomes. In this way, it is a much-needed ally.

However, many of our fears are irrational. These fears can consume us, leading us to keep various aspects of our lives very small.

Understanding Irrational Fears

Irrational fears often have us ruminating about outcomes that never happen. We hyper-focus on false perceptions we think others have of us.

Most of us can relate to the ways we hide to avoid feeling negatively judged. The pressure to be something else can ensure positive appraisal from others. We evaluate ourselves harshly compared to the holistic and accepting way we treat others.

A Personal Journey

This has shown up for me in recent years as an irrational fear of the camera. I much prefer being on the 'other' side of the lens. I became acutely aware of this when I started noticing signs of aging and change.

At times, my inner narrative has been judgmental and, frankly, pretty harsh. This voice contradicts my deep belief that beauty is skin-deep. Society often bombards women with contrasting messages.

Because of my irrational fear, I found it unnecessarily difficult to step in front of the camera for professional pictures.

“When you're scared,

you stay as you are!”

~ Stephen Richards

As an act of protest against the irrational thinking that puts up barriers, I decided to face it head-on. I embraced my aging and changing self. I found a photographer who aligned with my values and scheduled a photoshoot.

A big shout-out to Emma from Your Inner Light Photography in Sydney. She made the experience unexpectedly comfortable.

When I look at the images she created, I am reminded that a wonderful picture captures a person’s true essence. Emma, you nailed it!

The Gift of Self-Acceptance

Wholeheartedly embracing who we are through change—whether in appearance, behaviors, orientation, life choices, or partners—is a gift of Grace we owe ourselves. Remember, self-acceptance is a journey, not a switch, and it is a journey we are all on.

I was wound up like a coiled spring leading up to the photoshoot. Now that I am out the other side of my fear-busting maneuver, I wonder what all the fuss was about.

Irrational fears, no matter how trivial they may seem, consume an enormous amount of unnecessary energy. They tell us falsehoods about ourselves and keep us from living a full and nourishing life.

Personal Reflection

Questions for You

Is there an irrational fear keeping you or your life frustratingly small? Here are some questions to consider:

• What does your fear believe it is protecting you from?

• If you take a few steps down the path of that fear, what is the imagined outcome?

• How unbearable is this imagined outcome really?

• What resources do you already have to help you face this fear, even if the worst-case scenario happens?

  
  

What tools do you need to learn to take the first step forward, out of the irrational fear’s stronghold?

If you need a partner in this process, get in touch today.

Reclaim the Life You Want for Yourself

Fear can be a barrier, but it does not have to hold you back. Face those irrational fears head-on, and you may find that life becomes richer and more fulfilling.

Sharlene

xx