Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) said in his 1932 inaugural address:
“…let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
These words were spoken in a political context; however, when removed from that context they convey a very important message.
Recently I was talking to one of my friends at work about life. My friend in response to what I was saying mentioned that I must be afraid of something. This thought had never dawned on me. My response came quickly and effortlessly. I was afraid of something. This fear was paralyzing, and the reason why a certain part of my life has thus far been so unfulfilling.
When I decided to divulge the fear to my friend, I was greeted with “I’m sorry, but that’s the stupidest thing that I’ve ever heard”. I was a bit taken aback by this response. My friend has a habit of being very straightforward. My first response was to feel very defensive. I kept quiet for a brief moment to allow myself to think everything over. My friend was right. Stupid was; however, the wrong word. The correct word was unjustified.
FDR’s quote (when taken out of a political context) alludes to how fears can be unjustified. These fears can in turn paralyze, and keep one from advancing and doing what needs to be done. This was precisely what was happening to me. I was not doing what I wanted to do because of an unjustified fear.
Fear is easily beaten once one has the tools to recognize it. My friend helped me to realize that I was afraid of something. The realization itself quelled the fear. I am now ready to advance.
did you advance, i was fine doing many things until for some reason when i reached the age of 50, i became very fearful of things i used to do with little thought,like driving alone long distances, driving in winter, yet have previously gone thru some conditions which were ridiculous to drive in cant believe its just an age thing when i see 90 yr olds driving cross country and ill only be 60 this yr. any advice thks cheryl
I am doing better, but I have still not beaten my fear. Knowing that I am scared of something helps. Trying to reason with myself does not help as much.
You may want to try this line of reasoning:
Why do I feel scared now, and I did not before? Has something in my life changed?
I doubt that your newfound fear is caused by age alone. You may, though, be more scared of death at this point. Now that you are older, you may have a family, and likely have more commitments than you had before. There are more people in your life tyhat count on you than ever before. Your fear of driving in unsafe conditions may be in response to this.
As far as being scared of other things, the political climate of the country has been a little scary lately. I mean that the media and the government has of late been instilling fear within us. We are now to be scared of terrorists, and other external factors. This could potentially play into your newfound fear.
Cheryl, you need to remember that it is important for you to be happy. Fear does not make one happy. I do not recommend driving in unsafe conditions. I do recommend; however, thinking upon different lines.
Instead of saying “I’m scared to drive in this weather”, you could say “I choose not to drive in these conditions because they are unsafe”. Try to change the fear into a conscious decision. Thinking in this way may also reverse your thoughts. You may be scared to do a certain action, but realize that it is not so scary upon further reflection.
Trust your gut feeling, it is usually right. Just remember not to isolate yourself, and to enjoy life.